2nd Annual St. James’ Tailgate Gathering – Fall Stewardship Event
I can’t believe it’s been nearly a year since our first “St. James’ Tailgate Gathering”! Last year, we gathered together in the church parking lot in a football-tailgating fashion to celebrate all we do and accomplish together – like sharing, working, worshipping, and learning together as a team to share God’s Word and love. We had so much fun that we’re doing it again – but this year the theme is Baseball – why? It’s the “team” concept. We are all important members of God’s Team. We are always there for our church community in the good times and in the difficult times; we benefit from the strengths and generosity of each other, and we hope together for the future. It is through our participation and giving that we are able to strengthen and extend our love of God to everyone in and outside our church community.
A highlight of last year’s Tailgate Gathering was the Chili Challenge, and it will be back this year! First place was awarded to Memorial Garden Vegetarian Chili prepared by the Ramsamy Family with the People’s Choice Award going to “Young” Chili prepared by St. James’ Youth Group. The Stewardship Team invites all St. James’ Teams to participate again this year by entering a crock pot of chili to be tasted and enjoyed by all. Sandra Motley will be coordinating the Chili Challenge and will be sharing more information on that later.
Fall is the appropriate time to reflect on what we have achieved throughout the year together at St. James’ as we begin planning for the coming year. It is also the time to begin thinking about where we are in our financial support of God’s work through St James’, and what we are able to pledge for the coming (2016) year. Stewardship is a spiritual commitment to giving of our time, talent and treasure, and it is based on our belief that we give because we receive. It is an essential part of our Christian mission, giving back to God the gifts that we have been given, through service and ministry to our community.
The Tailgate Gathering is an opportunity for us to come together to celebrate our service as a team supporting the mission of St. James’ Church. It will be an afternoon of fun and good food for the entire family. There will be all things baseball, activities for both children and adults, lots of chili, and, of course, hot dogs! You don’t have to be a baseball fan to have a good time at this event. Join your fellow St. James’ parishioners in showing gratitude to God for giving us this wonderful space in which to celebrate all that we have been given. As stated in the St. James’ Mission Statement, we prayerfully ask “Most holy God, source of our vision, guide us to embrace the potential of this community to serve you in new and loving ways; direct us in our efforts as we work together with love for our neighbors.”
~ Gail Blalock, Stewardship Chair