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Dear Friends in Christ,
There is a particular beauty to St. Mary’s at this time of year. The island grows quieter, the pace of life begins to slow, and the familiar faces gathered in our pews remind us that the life of this parish reaches far beyond any single season. And yet, even as the seasons change, something remains wonderfully constant. The doors of St. Mary’s are open, the light of Christ continues to shine, and there is always room for someone else.
Our stewardship theme this year, "Plenty Good Room", comes from the beautiful promise Jesus offers his disciples: “In my Father’s house there are many dwelling places” (John 14:2). It is a promise of belonging, of a love generous enough to make room for every person who comes seeking hope, comfort, friendship, or a deeper relationship with God.
I believe this is one of the most precious gifts St. Mary’s offers our community.
Think for a moment about the life that unfolds within these walls and beyond them. A visitor slips quietly into a pew, perhaps carrying a burden we will never know. A familiar voice offers a warm greeting. Someone comes to worship after years away from church and discovers a place where they can begin again. Neighbors gather for fellowship, people find companionship in times of loneliness, and those seeking healing and recovery discover a welcoming place to gather. Prayers are offered, meals are shared, friendships deepen, and the love of Christ becomes something we can see and touch.
This is what your generosity makes possible.
When we speak of stewardship, we are speaking about much more than maintaining a building or meeting an annual budget, important as those responsibilities are. We are speaking about sustaining a living, breathing community of faith. We are speaking about the people who have yet to walk through our doors, the ministries still waiting to take shape, and the opportunities God continues to place before us.
Every act of generosity becomes part of that story. Every hour volunteered, every gift offered, every prayer whispered, and every financial commitment helps create room for someone else to experience the love of God.
And I believe God is calling us to make even more room.
Room for new friendships and fresh ideas. Room for deeper spiritual growth and meaningful service. Room for those who have felt overlooked, those searching for community, and those who simply need to know that someone cares. Room for a parish that honors its cherished traditions while remaining open to the new possibilities the Holy Spirit places before us.
As we look toward the coming year, I invite you to prayerfully consider your financial pledge to St. Mary’s. Your commitment allows us to plan responsibly, care for our sacred spaces, strengthen our ministries, and continue serving this community with faithfulness and compassion. Whatever the amount, your gift matters because "you are part of the life and future of this parish."
The beauty of God's abundance is that generosity has a way of multiplying. One open door becomes a place of refuge. One kind gesture becomes a lasting friendship. One faithful congregation becomes a beacon of hope for an entire community.
There is plenty good room at St. Mary’s, and I pray we will continue making room together, with grateful hearts, open hands, and the joyful confidence that God is still doing something beautiful among us.
With love and gratitude in Christ,
Mo. Allison+
Rector, St. Mary’s Episcopal Church
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