Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for the One who promised is faithful.
Hebrews 10:23
Dear People of St. James’,
What a year it has been! Each year, our season of stewardship asks us to reflect upon and discover anew God’s economy: that strange and countercultural way God organizes God’s household through Love. Each year, we wonder together about how we might reorganize our own households and our Church around a love which gives of itself for the sake of joy, for the liberation of the captive, and for the life of the vulnerable. It is a bold and hopeful thing to do this work in 2020 in the midst of pandemic and political and economic turmoil.
In spite of the challenges of the past year, St. James’ has been extending its roots more deeply into the soil of this east Austin community and into the bedrock of Christian formation that equips people of all ages for the spiritual journey. St. James’ has been sending forth its branches to provide broader spaces for human healing and reconciliation. The stewardship packet, soon to arrive in your mailbox, tells the story of a community that has been setting new tables of welcome, wherever we may be.
This year, I know that your life has changed in some ways, but I am hoping that you will prayerfully consider making a pledge to support St. James’ financially in 2021. When we sit down to do financial planning for the year ahead, the total pledge amount, discounted for uncertainty, is a crucial piece of information for our leadership team. Your pledge, no matter the amount, makes a difference in St. James’ ability to continue to be a responsive, adaptive, and present witness to the transformative power of radical hospitality and love.
In order to pledge, fill out the online pledge card HERE or return the physical pledge card to us by mail or by dropping it off at an in-person service or in the mailbox. We’re hoping to collect the vast majority of our 2021 pledges by Ingathering Sunday on November 22. If you have questions or concerns, don’t hesitate. Be in touch.
The Rev. Eileen O’Brien
