The teachings of the church, our relationship with God, and each other, grow in us through the church community, but it is not bounded by its walls. Community is taking food to someone who is ill or offering a shoulder to cry on and a hand to hold for someone who has suffered loss. It’s working on service projects side by side and coming together to share meals or conversation. When we walk into the world, that is our community, too. Following the teaching of St. Francis, we ask: Lord make me an instrument of your peace. Where there is hatred let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith. Where there is despair, we bring hope; and, where there is sadness, we bring joy.

As you consider your financial stewardship for the upcoming year, we invite you to prayerfully consider your talents and resources, and how they can be utilized for God’s purpose in our community and world.