Imagine:


More Love

More Welcome

More Grace

More Courage

and More Joy!

Imagine watching some of the world's best golfers from just a few feet away. This past weekend, I volunteered at the Senior PGA event in St. Louis, where 68 professionals over age 50 demonstrated why they remain among golf's elite. As a marshal on the 18th hole, I witnessed booming 300-yard drives and approach shots that consistently found their way close to the pin. Like many amateur golfers, I found myself imagining that I could do the same. But that thought quickly gave way to reality. My version of golf is usually marked by lost balls in the woods and more than a few three-putts before the round is over.


Fortunately, as Christians, we do not have to imagine God's love for us. We experience it every day through His grace, mercy, and presence in our lives. Because of that love, we find welcome, courage, joy, and grace. We discover that together we can accomplish far more than we ever could alone.


Imagine what becomes possible when we bring together our talents, hands, voices, spirits, and shared space. Our church is more than a building. It is the heart of our community.


The floor beneath us grounds our mission. The sounds around us fill our fellowship with life and connection. The roof above us shelters, protects, and welcomes all who enter.



Together, these are more than parts of a building. They are symbols of belonging, community, and God's love made visible among us. When we combine our gifts, we strengthen our congregation. When we strengthen our congregation, we create space for faith, service, growth, and hope to flourish.


As we celebrate Gethsemane's 133rd year, our 2027 Stewardship Campaign, Imagine, invites us to reflect on the journey we share and the ways God is at work among us. Through Christ, we are called not simply to imagine God's love, but to live it and share it with others. Each of us has something to offer. When we bring our gifts together, we create more than a building. We create a community where people belong, serve, grow, and encounter God's grace.


This Sunday, during our Mission Moment, I will share a little of my own faith journey and the deep gratitude I feel for the many blessings God has provided. I hope you will join me in considering how each of us can help sustain and strengthen the ministry we share.


Together, We Make Room for More. Imagine what God can do through us, together.


 

Keith Paulson

Stewardship Chair

 








Gethsemane Stewardship Team:


Keith Paulson, Betsy Bartholomew

 

How to Pledge

 

Pledges help the Finance Committee develop an accurate projection of 2027 contributions, determine what Gethsemane can accomplish in the coming year, and ensure Gethsemane's staff needs are adequately supported.


To see a suggested giving amount, please reference this chart.


November 22nd is Giving Sunday. From now until then, you are encouraged to fill out this online form to indicate your 2027 projected contribution. There will also be physical pledge cards available in the church narthex starting on Sunday, November 15th.


To put your 2027 pledge into action, you can set up automated giving through Vanco or direct bank withdrawal (see the church office for the automatic withdrawal form). Giving envelopes will only be provided to those who request them.

 

"To God – whose power now at work in us can do immeasurably more than we can ask or imagine." -Ephesians 3:20