Stewardship Campaign 2023

They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit. - Jeremiah 17:8

As our annual stewardship campaign gets underway, you have been hearing about the theme, Rooted in Abundance, and its reminder to us that we are inspired to give because so much has been given to us. This is not transactional – we do not give in proportion to how we feel we have benefitted or suffered – rather we give because of the love we have experienced in the story of our faith. We have explored trees, roots, flowers all as metaphors for the way we dig deep into what nourishes us to transform that goodness into work, service, and joy in a world that needs us.

I am grateful that you have called me to lead this annual process of telling the story of our abundance and our gratitude. I love hearing the stories about what connects you to St. James and how your family flourishes where it has been planted. Every gift matters this year, and each gift will be accepted, brought to the altar, and blessed before God and our community.

As you fill out your pledge cards, you’ll notice that one side is about your financial promises for the year, your wealth. The other side is dedicated to how you might want to share your works and your wisdom. Beyond staffing committees, our work of wisdom is about unlocking creativity to grow our mission, collaborating with other people, institutions, and churches to serve more of our neighbors, and how we form generous, grateful hearts through our education programs. Our works bring us opportunities to roll up our sleeves, to volunteer for service, to pitch in to help make things better.

This year, as you pray about your commitment to our church, please tap into that nourishing structure of faith and generosity shown to us by an extravagant God, a patient Shepherd, and a gathering Spirit who call us to extend our networks and share our gifts with the world. When you are rooted in abundance, you realize that your giving can be as boundless as the Creation that gave birth to us all. Thank you for your generosity and your prayerful consideration of your pledge to St. James. 

In gratitude,

Susan Knapp

Treasurer

P.S. The last Sunday of our campaign is 11/19/2023. Please send or submit your gifts by that date so that we may gather them together and bless them.

Delegates Terry and Terry Kerr are representing St. James at the Diocesan Convention today and tomorrow. Please keep the Kerr's in your prayers this weekend. A more detailed report will be provided during this Sunday's service and in next week's update.

The following items of business will be a part of the business portion of the convention. Links to the various documents are provided for your information.

RESOLUTIONS

• Proposed resolutions for Northwestern Pennsylvania

NOMINATIONS

• Nominations for Northwestern Pennsylvania

BUDGETS

• Northwestern Pennsylvania summary budget
• Northwestern Pennsylvania budget narrative

Anglican Al Ahli Arab Hospital Rocked By Blast

On Tuesday, a blast at Al Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City reportedly killed hundreds of patients, healthcare workers and civilians seeking shelter. The hospital is operated by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.

The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, released a statement today on the “atrocious attack” for which each side in the conflict is blaming the other.

This atrocity violates the sanctity and dignity of human life. It is a violation of humanitarian law, which is clear that hospitals, doctors and patients must be protected. For this reason, it’s essential that we exercise restraint in apportioning responsibility before all the facts are clear.

The evil and heinous terror attacks by Hamas on people in Israel were crimes against God and humanity. Israel has a legitimate right and duty to defend itself, and to pursue a proportionate and discriminate response to establish its security. The rules of war are there to safeguard civilians and the value of every human life. They must be upheld to the highest degree possible amidst the chaos of conflict, otherwise the cycle of violence will continue for generations to come.

Israel’s bombing campaign on the heavily populated Gaza Strip is causing massive civilian casualties and suffering. The people of Gaza are running out of water, food, medical supplies and places of refuge. Families in Israel and around the world still wait for news of their loved ones. It is unconscionable that aid is being prevented from reaching children and adults who are not combatants in this war. It is indefensible that hospitals, schools and refugee camps are being struck. It is an outrage that hostages are being held by Hamas. The bloodshed, slaughter and suffering of innocent people on all sides must stop.

Welby called for hostages to be released, civilians protected and a corridor for humanitarian aid to be opened in Gaza. Read more.

Presiding Bishop Michael Curry released a statement yesterday, calling the church to prayer for “for the birthplace of the Abrahamic faiths and for all its people.”

Pray this week for President Biden, that he may be an advocate for immediate humanitarian access for those who desperately need food, water, and medicine—and for comfort and consolation for those who have been displaced and those who are grieving loved ones.

The Episcopal Church’s Office of Government Relations is asking Episcopalians to urge their members of Congress to:

1. Publicly call for a ceasefire, de-escalation, and restraint by all sides.

2. Call on all parties to abide by the laws of war, including the Geneva Conventions and customary international law.

3. Prioritize steps to secure the immediate release of hostages and ensure international protection for civilians

Take action via the Office of Government Relations website.

Read more on the website.

image: The gate at Al Ahli Arab Hospital (AFEDJ)

Prayers for Peace in the Holy Land

The American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem offers prayers for peace in the Holy Land, including a Litany for the Restoration of Peace to the Holy Land.

Find the prayers on the AFEDJ website.