Season of Giving

Hello Church!

One of our newcomers recently commented about how, at St. Jude’s, everyone seems to be involved in making our community thrive. They were struck by how it wasn’t just a small group doing all the work. That is part of the DNA of our church – we all pitch in and make church happen. 

This is very similar to the children’s story, Stone Soup, which I read to our young people a few weeks ago. If you don’t know the tale, it’s a beautiful story of how a community can come together and feed the whole village, even if individually, they might not think they have enough. But what deeply resonates about this fable is that not only are people fed, but there is joy in sharing the meal. 

My hope for us this year, as we consider how we might contribute our finances, our time, and our skills to the community of St. Jude’s, is that we would find the joy in sharing. The Apostle Paul echoes this refrain in his letter to the church in Corinth, 

What I mean is this: the one who sows a small number of seeds will also reap a small crop, and the one who sows a generous amount of seeds will also reap a generous crop.

Everyone should give whatever they have decided in their heart. They shouldn’t give with hesitation or because of pressure. God loves a cheerful giver.

• 2 Corinthians 9:6-7, Common English Bible

As we look ahead to 2025, I invite you to consider how the Spirit calls you to contribute your gifts to our faith community. 

In Christ,

Rev. Aaron Klinefelter

P.S. If you’re ready to pledge right now, then visit https://saintjudes.org/pledge/ to pledge online. It’s quick and easy and ensures that our Treasurer and Pledge Secretary can read what you wrote!