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I give you a new commandment, that you love one another. Just as I have loved you, you also should love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another. John 13:34-35, NRSV Dear Friends, The scriptures provide us with a consistent and constant reminder that God’s love is large enough to hold each and every one of us, and that we are all bound together in holy community by the Holy Spirit. In John 14:2, Jesus tells us that, “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places”, a promise that the Kingdom of Heaven has room for us all! As we all take time this season to consider our opportunities to serve as stewards of St. Mary’s Church in Tuxedo, this year’s stewardship theme, Plenty Good Room, reminds us that the act of stewardship is not only about financial giving, but that it is also about giving of ourselves in building relationships across our congregation and broader community, and about the ways that we are connected to God, to one another, and to our neighbors. Our parish’s annual budget is more than just numbers; it is a reflection of our values, our mission, and our capabilities to act on both of these at home in our community. Each and every thoughtful stewardship pledge and gift enables us to plan ahead for how we sustain the Church’s good work across daily life in our community, from children growing in faith through Sunday School, to pastoral care for those in need, and to ensuring that St. Mary’s continues to be a shining beacon of hope and refuge to all. In the coming days, you will receive a letter with details about how to make a commitment to this year’s campaign and to help us as a church body to plan for next year in a thoughtful way. As you consider your stewardship for next year, I encourage you to reflect on the relationships that nourish you within our church, and how your own contributions (both financially, and of your time, talent and presence) can help to nourish others. For me, personally, my soul rejoices each week that I get to hear my friend Sue reading scripture, and it sings just a little louder when it can harmonize on hymns with my friend Larry just one pew back. No Sunday would be complete for me that didn’t include a wink from Spyros as we pass each other in the aisle for Communion, or that didn’t include a smile and hug from our dear Bee. Sustaining takes many forms, these are just a few of the ways that St Mary’s sustains me and why I choose to be a steward of this church. There is, indeed, plenty good room in God’s house. Together, we can ensure that we can continue to make room for one another here in Tuxedo at St. Mary’s. Your brother in Christ, Scott Mullins Churchwarden and Stewardship Committee Member
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