We plan for tomorrow by our actions today. That is true, both for us as individuals and as a church. Our “planning for tomorrow” includes setting ministry priorities and itemizing budgets for the coming year. A key part of this work involves congregation members and friends sharing their 2017 pledge information. While our endowment allows us to maintain our church building, it is the tithes and pledges that support our staff and programs. The Stewardship Committee’s theme of Rebuilding our Bodies & Souls reminds us to see the act of pledging as part of a healthy spiritual discipline involving all of who we are—body and soul.
This coming year will be a wonderful, challenging, and busy time of construction and renovation. Having been blessed by prior generations’ generosity in erecting our cathedral church, we are able to pass the gift forward by being wise caretakers of this community treasure. But much of our church’s ministry goes far beyond its walls—our educational programs touch lives throughout the city, our social justice and community programs provide for those in need, our Hope Academy teachers prepare tomorrow’s performers and dancers, and our LGBTQ fellowship and Spiritual Life offerings provide solace and hospitality to all members of God’s family.
Bring your pledge card to worship on Stewardship Sunday, Nov. 13. Bring along some non-perishable food items to support those in need. Build up yourself, body, and soul by re-committing your time and treasures to the ministries we do today, seeking to meet the needs of East Liberty tomorrow!