STEWARDSHIP UPDATE: As of Nov. 28, we have received $891K in 2018 pledges from 313 households. 55% of the pledge database has pledged. We still have 93 households who pledged in 2017 that have not done so for 2018. We need your pledges so that we can plan our 2018 budget. The 2017 budget included $962K from pledges, and we want to grow in 2018.
Mark’s Gospel this Sunday addresses a first-century community of Christians facing persecution. He urges them to endure their suffering by holding onto the sure and certain hope of Jesus’ return in glory. That’s not our world—or is it? Persecution, suffering, disillusionment: It’s all too easy to find. In Mark’s time they were asked to be prepared for a better time, and so are we. Readiness has as much to do with being ready for life as it has to do with its end. The task is to sweep away distractions and looking for that glimmer of hope and with it possibilities. Where can you see it this Advent? How can you further it? It may be a need or an idea you perceive from a fellow parishioner, a newcomer, a commission. If we are not watchful, we may be unprepared and miss it. —Ben Hicks, Business Manager
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