Walk in Love

Therefore be imitators of God, as beloved children,
and walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us,
a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Ephesians 5:1-2, NRSV
 

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
As we prepare for our annual Stewardship Campaign, I am writing to invite you into prayer about the journey we make with our congregation – our spiritual home.  We not only worship together but we also are companions for each other as we navigate the ups and downs of our shared lives.  It is a walk of love that we make with each other.

Throughout this year I have been inspired by the ways we accompany and support one another.  We care for the sick, shut-ins, elderly and people in need in our community.  We support each other when we struggle or need a hand or a shoulder.  We generously give our time, talents and treasures whenever and wherever there is a need.  This is what it means to be in community – this is what walking in love looks like.

We have so many gifts to share, gifts of time, talent, and treasure that we freely give to support our ministry and to do the work of mission in our neighborhoods and communities.  We do this not out of a sense that we will get back what we give, but because we are motivated by love.  When Paul wrote to his friends in the Church at Ephesus, he reminded them that the very spark of love that founded their community of faith was one of giving. God showed His love for humanity by giving us a part of the Divine.

Certainly this is what we do when we place our gifts on the altar – we bring our whole selves and share the best part of our love and labor.  During the coming weeks as you consider what you will share with the Church this year, I invite you to give thanks for the many people who have walked with you in love, supported you in faith, and shared their gifts with you.

Walking with you in Love,
 
Floyd Siegle
Incumbent’s Warden
and Stewardship Chair