Giving as Grateful Response
A Message from Ray Rice, Property and Finance Ministry Chair
Dear Friends:
I want to begin by simply saying thank you. In the midst of constant change, a global pandemic, and learning how to be present in celebration in ways we might never have expected, you have responded with openness and generosity, inviting all to be together in worship. Your leadership in generosity contributes to the long-standing success of our community of faith. Because of your commitment to the ministry of this congregation, we are an ever-increasing effective witness to the radical welcome of Jesus Christ. This congregation is grateful for you, and for the example you set for each of us about what it means to respond to God’s prompting to be a faithful steward.
Gratitude is a powerful thing. Taking time to express our gratitude for all that we have received is good and important work. With this in mind, I ask you to take a moment or two to do the following:
Take out a piece of paper and a pencil – or you can do this on your smart phone or device.
Set a timer for two minutes. Then list all the ways that you or your family or community have been blessed.
After those two minutes, take another moment to review your list. As you note each item, say aloud or in silence, “Thank you, God.”
Consider, for a moment, how the Presque Isle Congregational Church, as an open and affirming congregation has impacted you and people you know within our communities. How we have worked to welcome worshipers, near and far, in person and at a distance, with a spirit of inclusivity and love that recognizes and speaks to each and every one of us. Consider how this Church has helped to make some of those blessings possible.
Faith stewardship finds its origins in this deep well of gratitude. The giving of our time, talents, and resources is our faithful response to all that God and our spiritual community has done for us.
In the coming weeks, you will hear more about how we as a congregation are responding to God’s invitation. As you may know, this will require our presence and engagement both through our spiritual and financial gifts. Our emphasis theme this year, From Bread and Cup to Faith and Giving, encourages us to take time to be intentional about the decisions we make with our resources and gifts in light of the open invitation to share at God’s Table. God is working through us and the things we do to accomplish positive change in the world. Every time we give, that gift becomes ministry and mission.
As you consider your giving, think about the investment that you are making in the future of our Church and one another. Your gifts this year will help our congregation, our families, and our communities, both here in Aroostook County and far beyond.
Enclosed with this letter, you will find a faith-promise card. Please consider filling it out with an amount with which you feel is appropriate and with which you are comfortable. These cards will be collected through Sunday, January 8, or they can be mailed to the church in the enclosed envelope. Remember, you may also give to the church through our website. For more information on giving electronically, or to sign-up, please go to www.piucc.org
And please know that you may contact Melissa Vance (piuccoffice@gmail.com), our church administrator, or any member of the Church Council to help discuss a potential pledge. You have our gratitude in advance for your commitment and our thanks for your faithfulness and your love.
Yours in faith,
Ray Rice
Chair of the Property and Finance Ministry of the Presque Isle Congregational Church, UCC