I am delighted that members Ed Mielke and Scott Sykes are leading our Stewardship campaign this year. As you might well appreciate, they are stepping out in faith on behalf of all of us following another year of major disruption to parish life. Hence, I ask for your prayers for them as they get into touch every parish household seeking a generous response from us all.
Given that we are still in the ebb-and-flow of pandemic life, I am calling this year’s campaign, “Christ our Bridge,” which is inspired by a verse from John’s Gospel: “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself.” (12:32). The mental image of Jesus Christ drawing all people to himself through his death and resurrection is a powerful metaphor for our campaign. To borrow a thought from Paul Simon’s song, Christ is our “bridge over troubled waters” during these challenging times; and, by extension, I believe also we are called to be the same for each other.
Therefore, I pray that the pledges we make during this stewardship season will reflect our collective desire to be a bridge for the spiritual well-being of one another and connect us to the lively acclamation, “For all things come from Thee, O Lord, and of Thine Own have we given Thee.”
Onward in Hope,
Gareth
Gareth Evans serves as the rector of St. Barnabas. He is an inspirational leader who brings significant pastoral experience, a depth of reverence in worship, and a relatable preaching style.