As I look back on the past year, it is wonderful to realize the many ways we have come closer to our “new normal.” There were weddings, baptisms and the Progressive Dinner was resurrected. All joyous occasions to be sure. However, there are very real issues that weigh on us, that drive us to work even harder, the plight of those who have a very real struggle to survive, right here in our community.
“More Than Enough,” our motto for this year’s pledge campaign, reminds us that when we share what we have with the world, miracles happen. Our belief of giving focuses on three tenets Wealth, Works and Wisdom.
Today I would like to focus on Works.
Works, these are evident on a daily basis at Saint Mary’s. Our Outreach is the cornerstone of what we do, assisting with a housing struggle, clothing for those who have nothing warm, driving a patient to treatments, we help in many ways. A simple hug, a phone call, food delivery, camp fees all works that show someone does care and can help.
We have embarked on the more “concrete” work of restoring the stone stairs on the church; this work is far more daunting than it might have been in the past due to
construction costs and is essential to keep this historically important building in good condition.
Support of the Emporium is another way that the greater community can help, with either donations or purchases, this has helped the above efforts significantly!
Partnering with local schools helps us to identify the in need in our community and is a vital life lesson for our children. Recognizing need and setting an empathetic example, whether it is collecting food, gloves and hats or towels for the animal shelter. Children raised in a life of faith and commitment go on to continue these works later in life.
Thank you. Thank you for all that you do for the Church and the World.
We celebrate the happy events and will continue to work side by side to provide better lives for those less fortunate. Soon you will be receiving an invitation to pledge. Please consider your gift carefully, your support is greatly appreciated and means we can go forward, working together.
With great thanks,
Senior Warden
Lili Neuhauser
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