John Herr's Stewardship Message October 24, 2021

Sunday, October 24^th Stewardship Talk

For those of you that I haven’t had the pleasure to get to know, my name is John Herr. Even if we haven’t met yet, I’m sure you have seen me up front with the choir.

I have had the pleasure of being part of All Saints for a little over five years now. While I did not grow up in the Episcopal church, I am happy to have made it my new family. I was raised in the Lutheran church for most of my life, in addition to going to an Evangelical private school on top of that. I then had the joy of attending Whitworth University, a wonderful Presbyterian college in Spokane. This has provided me with a good variety of experience in the Christian faith.

In all my years at those other churches, with the mild exception of Whitworth, I never felt the same level of community, joy, or desire to reach out to others as I have felt here at All Saints. Some of those places I was at for many years. Within the first week of being at All Saints I was already closer with people here and felt more welcome and at home than any of those other places as a church. On top of that, I could clearly see the results of the different kinds of outreach and service that All Saints gives to the community around it. To me this speaks volumes of the work that God is doing here through all of us.

Naturally, the work and service here requires support in order to continue its efforts. Especially during this pandemic, it is more important than ever that we work together to support each other in every way possible. We are currently in the midst of our pledge drive and contributing financially is one of the best ways to enable us to continue all the things that we do. I will say though, sometimes the question arises of, why do we choose to give? I know everyone here has generosity in their hearts. I have seen the results of that first hand, whether it be as a member of the finance committee reviewing the pledges over the years, or in other ways such as through hot meals, the clothes drives, prayer shawls, etc. Everyone is moved in different ways to give back from the blessings we have been given.

For me, I want to support a place that welcomed me with open arms like a long-lost brother. I want to give, both financially, and in other ways, because the love, dedication, and inspiration I have experienced here is something I want everyone else to share in. Others may be moved by some of the many outreach programs that All Saints has, and by all means, the more support the better. One of the things that stood out to me in the service Laurie and I attended last week in Maui was when Mother Heather spoke of different ways to give. (Add examples) Oftentimes it's the little things, small acts of kindness and generosity that provide the foundation for other works that grow into something that would not have been thought possible at the beginning of it.

So, ask yourself what moves you about All Saints. What is it in this community that inspires you? How can God reach out to the world through what we do here?