Living in the Bay Area where the seasonal changes are subtle, we need to examine our world closely if we are to witness the shift in nature. Ron and I arrived to our new home in July, the summer, and as September ends and fall begins, we’ve noticed the slight changes in the fauna and foliage around us. The large tree in the front yard is producing tiny pods that are beginning to drop to the ground. The spearmint left from the previous owner has morphed from a few sprigs to a close-to-unmanageable bush. A few flowers have come and gone, and even those Newark geese seem to be less visible these days.
As it is with church. We shift and move and grow and shrink as time moves forward. We say good-bye to old friends and we welcome new ones. The make- up of our congregation does not stay the same. It changes, and with God’s grace and some intentional effort, it expands and grows. As it changes, so does the need and focus.
As you know, one major intentional effort we’ve embarked on is a focus on ministry and program for Children, Teens and Families. We’ve only just begun this effort, but as we pay attention to the subtleties of change, we will see clear evidence of the importance of what we are doing. On Backpack Blessing Sunday, our sanctuary filled with about fifteen children and as many backpacks as we blessed them all for a new year. Our Sunday School is bustling with children learning about Moses, hearing bible verses and creating art. A children’s program designed to serve those living at Sunrise Village, the ABODE temporary housing center, is on its way to being one of the most popular events of the month. Our Children, Teen and Family Ministry Coordinator, Jan Scrutton, is hard at work building a cohesive and meaningful ministry that integrates all that we do with and for our younger members. I am really excited about what is happening at our church. I am really excited about the work we are doing and the fun we are having in doing it. We are a church that is, day by day, living into being the best that Christianity has to offer.
For many years, the St. James’ pledge card offered an option to donate directly towards our building fund. In part, this was to pay off the mortgage, and later, to attend to some much needed maintenance issues that had been deferred. With the great blessing of the Schader money, and with the hard work of our congregation, the mortgage is paid off, the parking lot is paved, the patio is level, and soon, the carpet in the main church will be replaced. Monies have been set aside for further projects as well. As a result, we are in a great position to divert money that might have been pledged to the Building Fund into the Operating Fund to use directly for ministry – ministries such as our Children, Teen and Family programs and programs that support the unhoused and underserved. Be assured, the buildings and grounds will still be attended to, improved and maintained; putting the funds into Operating simply allows for greater flexibility. To that end, the Vestry, with support of the Stewardship Committee, has voted to apply all pledged dollars towards our Operating Fund. This fall, you’ll see a change in the pledge card that reflects a change in our need. Take what you might have given towards our buildings and invest it in our people. With our investment and intentionality, and with the sureness of God’s grace, change will happen, and we will continue to be the best that God has called us to be.
Lori
Read more articles from our monthly newsletter, “The Window”.