Thankful
Dear Friends,
Trinity’s Stewardship theme this year is “Abundance,” initially based in the Biblical story of the miraculous Feeding of the 5000:
“Whether it’s loaves and fishes, or people, or ideas and energy, or even concrete resources like money—when we open ourselves up to God’s inspiration and creativity and focus on what we do have rather than what we don’t—abundance often follows . . . . the kind of abundance that comes from sharing what we have—not just material stuff, but ideas and creativity and energy, with gratitude and appreciation for what we do have rather than bitterness over what we don’t.” (Sermon, July 25, 2021)
“And what do have is an amazing core of committed, connected folks who are here in every way they can be—making sure there is a livestream each week, packing and delivering weekend backpacks each week, cleaning and de-cluttering the church building not once but twice; planning and engaging in Sunday School activities in all kinds of creative ways, planning Women’s group meetings, connecting over Zoom or in person, continuously adapting to changing rules, working to assist members and the larger community in need, squeezing in meetings while waiting for kids at dance lessons, keeping on top of a church role even while managing family crises, reaching out to one another behind the scenes, giving generously of time, resources and skills . . . . “ (Sermon, October 24, 2021)
Over these next months, Trinity folks will be once again creating a beautiful worship space, making sure worship is livestreamed through the season, providing beautiful music, providing Advent activities by Zoom or in person, connecting with each other via Advent Angels, providing gifts for Refugees through Mission Committee efforts, making sure kids have foo not only on weekends, but through the holiday vacations—and in so many ways sharing our abundance, such that it multiplies. We will also be there for each other through the quiet times, the times when the losses or grief get the better of us, and when we need to step back for a minute.
As we enter this season of gratitude, I am filled with awareness of the abundance in my own life—this faith community, enough (and more than enough) o eat, a warm and comfortable home, times for rest and play, meaningful work to do. And, asI am writing this letter on October 27, our granddaughter Hellon’s first birthday—a day that fills me with even more gratitude than usual; certainly, after this past year and a half, the saying that “Every smiling child is a sign that God has not given up on us yet” has never been more true.
With gratitude and love,
Kathy