“GRACE UPON GRACE ”
From Jesus’ fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.” The 16th verse of the first chapter of John is the calling card for the UCC stewardship campaign this year, accompanied by graphics of loaves of bread cooling on simple wooden shelves. Look for the poster in church, or check the denomination’s page at http://www.ucc.org/stewardship/.On Oct. 18, the fall campaign will kick off with the announcement in church. The following Sunday, your personal invitation to share the gifts you have received through the grace of Jesus Christ will be available in the parlor before and after services. Each pledge unit will have a packet available. If you are unable to attend that day, your package will be mailed to you on Monday, Oct. 26, but we’d urge you to stop by the Stewardship table and save the postage!
We will also be blessed on Oct. 25 with the visit of Rev. Rob Hatfield, senior minister of the First Church of Lombard UCC. The pulpit exchange will give us a different perspective on how valuable our stewardship commitment is, not only for our church, but for our fuller life as a follower of Christ.
Over the next two weeks, we ask church members to pray about their intentions for 2010, not only in terms of dollars but in terms of service to their church. On Nov. 8, Stewardship Sunday, we will ask members to bring forward their pledge envelopes to show their support in the work of the church.
As we reflect on the fullness of our lives and the blessings we have received through our commitment to Jesus Christ, reflect also on the loaves and fishes. From the gift of a few came enough to feed the multitudes, so will our gifts of time and money nurture the ministries of this church and the many that we are able to help in the wider world.
We ask that you join us on Oct. 18, 25 and Nov. 8 as we celebrate the “grace upon grace” of abundance of the Bread of Life, Jesus Christ, and all the blessings that come to us as we follow His will and His way.
--Stewardship Ministry
