Celebrating Gratitude

When I joined the Saint Stephen’s community, I didn’t realize how much it would impact my understanding of gratitude. I want to personally invite you all to join us next Wednesday, October 17, at 5:45pm for a Celebration of Gratitude.  Over the course of the past nine months, I have realized just how much goes into making Saint Stephen's the special community that it is, and there is so much that each person does for both our community and the community beyond our walls.  A Celebration of Gratitude is a chance to say thank you and celebrate.

You might have read that our congregation has tracked over 10,500 hours of service in our community this year.  That is an impact of over $250,000 through service and volunteering as we strive to be the hands and feet of Christ in the community.  When I asked you all to join me in this challenge, I was a little worried it might have been too bold. How could a church community accomplish 10,000 hours of service in one calendar year?  Now, I have a hunch that the logged hours are just scratching the service.  What we have not been logging are the hours that people commit to making Saint Stephen's the special place that it is.  From ironing linens, answering the phone, or serving as an Acolyte, Sunday School teacher, or Vestry member, people put in countless hours in making our community the welcoming and active place that it is. Together this creates an environment where we can authentically live into being the body of Christ.  This coming Wednesday is about celebrating all of this together. 

If you find yourself wondering or feeling like you haven't done as much as you would have liked, please know that is ok! There will be an opportunity to create some Blessing Bags to hand out in our community during the celebration. There are always new opportunities to serve. Our goal for Wednesday is simply to have a party as our Church family and give thanks for the hard work that everyone puts in. ALL are welcome.  There is no cost to you for dinner on this evening, and the event is for people of every age. 

Please, come and celebrate with us!  Oh, and if you have hours you would like to log, click here.

Faithfully,

John+