When the Israelite people came out of exile in Babylon, the prophet Isaiah gave them these “marching orders.” “Build up, build up; remove every obstruction from my people’s way”—Isaiah 57:14.
In many ways, this theme from Isaiah speaks strongly to where ELPC finds itself now. We are soon to begin a year of renovation, “removing obstructions” in our historic building so that it can be a safe, energy-efficient, and hospitable place of ministry for generations to come. We also are a church committed to radical hospitality, removing social barriers and prejudices that keep people apart, so that our diverse voices together may praise our gracious and generous God.
On Sun., Oct. 9, this year’s Stewardship Campaign will kick off with a few words in worship and a letter mailed to the entire church. Our hope is to increase our congregation’s giving by 6.5 percent through higher pledges and new pledges. These added funds will allow us to maintain the staff, programming, and ministries at the heart of ELPC’s active Christian service. The campaign will culminate on Stewardship Sunday, Nov. 13.
Indeed, this is a season for building up, construction, planning, and looking toward the future. By our generous gifts, tithes and pledges, each one of us heeds Isaiah’s marching orders. May God bless our stewardship commitments this fall!