Dear Sisters and Brothers in Christ,
I am pleased to announce that Saint Paul’s 2027 Stewardship Campaign is now underway and that I have volunteered to take on the responsibility of chairing the campaign for St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. When I first announced that I would take on this call, the first response I received was, “Tom, it might be too difficult.” I was reminded, by other some, of other realities like the cost of renting our church space is increasing, our attendance numbers are too low, the expenses are going up and our revenue is declining. On top of that, churches are closing in our own diocese. I believe these statements, rooted in anxiety, are just excuses and giving in to fear. When hope for the future of the church is challenged, now is the very time that we need to put our unwavering faith and trust in God.
Why do I attend worship and serve in the ministries of St. Paul’s? I could be relaxing at home, taking for granted all that God has blessed me with or complaining that life is difficult. Instead, I am committed here to follow God’s two commandments as written in Matthew 22, the first of which is to love the Lord my God with all my passion, prayer and intelligence. Second, to love others as much as I love myself. God is counting on us to follow these commandments and spread this message to others, no matter who they may be. Nothing in this world is forever; only the kingdom of God which is the church family.
2027 Pledges Blessed at the Altar on Christ the King Sunday
Our formal campaign will conclude on Sunday, November 22. We ask that you return your 2027 commitment form by that date, within the sealed envelope, so that your, and all other pledges from our Saint Paul’s community, may be given a priestly blessing and offered to God during the Mass. The 2027 pledge card may be obtained at church or accessed online, printed and mailed into the office or placed into the offering plate on Sunday. Please remember to fulfill your promised 2026 pledge by December 31, as we are running over 3% below where we should be.
If there is anything we can do to support you in your journey with Christ or stewardship questions that we can answer, simply reach out to me, your stewardship chair, as well as your Bishop’s Committee leaders. Thank you for your generosity. St. Paul’s is a blessing. Let us enter this time of prayerful discernment with a heart of gratitude for the blessing that this faith community is, so that we may multiply our blessings!
Faithfully in Christ,
Tom Beer, 2027 Stewardship Chair
3836 Flatiron Loop, Suite 101, Wesley Chapel, FL 33544
office@saintpaulsepiscopalchurch.org
813-803-7489
www.saintpaulsepiscopalchurch.org
