My Dear Sisters and Brothers,
2020 has been one of the most challenging years in any of our lifetimes. The novel coronavirus pandemic has made life substantially different in nearly every facet. People’s health and lives are at risk. The economy has been in shambles. We have not been able to assemble in-person as a church since March. There is much to be concerned about as we look ahead toward 2021, with no clear end to the pandemic in sight.
That said, we worship a loving, liberating, and life-giving God. We trust that God is in charge and that God will guide us along the right path. So, despite the hardships, we are filled with hope. We are hopeful because neither God nor this church has abandoned its members. We are hopeful because our ministries of worship, fellowship, service, and justice continue even while we are physically apart. We are hopeful because all of our efforts can and will continue. In 2021, we don’t plan just to tread water. We are looking beyond the simple maintenance of our church. We are aiming to be creative in following Jesus together. We have a mission to live life around the table, and even if that table is primarily virtual and we need to exercise careful distancing, we have not given up on God’s call.
And we can only accomplish these goals with your support.
Please prayerfully consider making a pledge to St. Matthew’s in 2021. Please consider increasing your financial support to our church’s operating budget and striving for the biblical standard of the tithe (i.e. giving 10% of your income). And please consider participating in the many ministry and service opportunities that are also featured on the 2021 Pledge Around the Table.
Pledges cards may be physically returned to the church by mail. Pledges may also be completed online at: https://tinyurl.com/StMattSav2021. The deadline for all pledges is Sunday, November 22, 2020.
Finally, thank you to all who attended the A.S.K. Dinner To-Go! We’re so glad we had the opportunity to see each of you, even as we practiced social distancing and wore masks. We hope that as you received dinner, this letter, and all the pledge information in the gift bag, you felt the love and care that went into this offering. If you have not received a Stewardship Goodie Bag, please contact Fr. Arboleda at FrGAA@StMattSav.org or by cell phone to arrange for a pickup or delivery time.
Your Servants in Christ,
Fr. Guillermo A. Arboleda & St. Matthew’s Vestry:
Charlotte Toni Blue, Senior Warden (2021)
Margaret Anne Pearson, Junior Warden (2021)
Juray Brown (2022)
Charles McMillan (2022)
Joenelle Gordon (2023)
Shiela Jones (2023)
More Helpful Links:
Special Thanks:
Many thanks to the Vestry (especially our Senior Warden, Toni Blue) for organizing our A.S.K. Dinner To-Go. The Vestry also thanks Anthony Blue for the St. Matthew's grocery bags, Rachael Blue-Jones and Teresa Blue-Clemons for the bookmarks and DVD's, Paul Berksteiner and Jonathan Newton for grilling the chicken, and Evalena Hoskins and Evadne Roberts baking the cakes.