STEWARDSHIP 2006  -  "IMAGINE"

How would you respond, if asked—“What is our parish going be like in the coming years?

In trying to answer that, a number of people gathered, reflected, discussed and reconsidered over almost two years. They began with a more basic question: Why are we here?

The people of Epiphany gather to nurture Christ within, in order to serve Christ in all.

“To serve Christ in all.” With the aftermath of the Gulf Coast tragedy still being felt, these words take on a greater poignancy. How are we serving Christ through our church—this church?

We would like you to focus on who we are as a parish and where we are going. This is the vision that your vestry recently approved:

IMAGINE a compassionate multi-generational Episcopal community whose members:

•  worship God with joy and energy in a variety of styles

•  grow in knowledge and love of Christ by participating in many small groups,    forums, classes and retreats

•  are responsive to the needs of our local, national, and global neighbors

•  foster relationships for all through activities involving food, fellowship and FUN

•  extend our personal and financial resources beyond our fellowship

•  are so transformed by the Spirit that others are attracted and invited into our walk of faith.

This vision is meant to give us a standard to follow as we move into the future. It's meant to challenge us to do a little more every day, week, month, year. Not a radical transformation, but a steady growth to do better, to be more than we are.

But growth asks more of us; more personally, spiritually, financially. Yet, imagine how much more we could accomplish if everyone gave just a little more of themselves—made the effort to learn more, do more, give more.

Imagine some of the dreams that we could make real with a little extra help from each of us. We ask you to imagine the possibilities and become part of them.

Pledging can take place anytime during the year. Speak to our clergy or the Wardens or stop in the church office to obtain a pledge card. In the name of Christ, thank you.