Mickey Connolly and Tana Cochran | Rob Andrew | Andrew Morley | Dot Jackson | Phil Ecklund | Michelle and David Webb | Charlie and Lauren Hager
When I think of St. John’s Church, these words come to mind: Gratitude, Faith, Joy. I am thankful for God’s presence, for the clergy and staff, worshipping with you and participating in some of our ministries. Daily, I am in awe of God’s creation which surrounds us in the beauty of our mountains and plains.
Giving of Time, Talents and Resources is a practice that, in many ways, began for me before my birth. My Dad played the organ in the church in Wales where my Mother sang in the choir. I am thankful for their emigration to America where I learned, as a child, the importance of giving a small portion of my earned allowance as well as participating in church activities. Parents and teachers can help begin this commitment early in every child’s life.
All of us are ministers with talents to offer. Over the years, I have received great joy from participating as a teacher, singer, vestry and committee member and from the fellowship of our dinner groups. Some of you may choose to be Eucharistic readers, to take communion to shut-ins, or provide pastoral care. My husband, Pete, and I feel we have grown spiritually because of our giving. Newcomers and long-time members, I urge you to become involved in a ministry and feel the joy and reward in participation.
St. John’s Altar Guild is my passion. As you look around the Chapel or Sanctuary you see signs of the Altar Guild everywhere. The altar, the wine and bread, the candles, the flowers, vestments, prayer books, hymnals, bibles, children’s scratch pads are all aspects of Altar Guild responsibilities. And, we have fun at our annual picnic each June, making palm crosses at Eastertide, and hanging the greens for Christmas followed by a chapel service and brunch. Some say we have the best chefs in the Church. I invite you to join us!
Supporting and maintaining the worship life of our church is just one aspect of our vigorous parish that requires financial support. If you have never pledged, begin now. Even a small amount from each and every one of you will help provide for next year’s programs. Pete and I have set a goal of increasing our pledge each year. By giving, you will be blessed and receive much more in return.
