St. Bartholomew's Episcopal Church
Laytonsville, Maryland

Keeping the Faith… with those who have gone before us.

Passing the Torch… to those who will follow.

 

Dear St. Bartholomew’s Parishioner:

In 2012, St. Bartholomew’s embarks on its 200th year of serving Christ and our community. As we prepare to celebrate our parish bi-centennial, it is fitting that we take time to examine and think upon our church’s rich and proud history. And, when considering our annual financial commitment to St. Bartholomew’s, it is also fitting that we reflect on the many devoted Christians who went before us, who gave birth to our church and nurtured it over these many years.

We are the beneficiaries of our parish ancestors’ commitment to Christ as manifested through their generous donations of time, talent and treasure to St. Bartholomew’s. As beneficiaries, we have a stewardship responsibility to emulate our predecesors by ensuring St. Bartholomew’s on-going presence and continuing viability in our community. Moreover, our stewardship responsibility is not just to those who went before us, but to those generations who will follow us. Most importantly, however, fulfilling our stewardship responsibility is a reflection of our relationship with God.

One excellent description of stewardship is the use of God-given resources for the accomplishment of Christ-centered objectives. In other words, stewardship is managing everything God brings into our life in a manner that honors Him as it strengthens our relationship with Christ.

References to stewardship are scattered throughout the Bible, but it is apparent from many of these passages that stewardship begins and ends with the understanding of God's ownership of all. This concept is perhaps best summarazied in Psalm 24:1

The earth is the Lord's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it.

This passage makes it clear that we do not own the wealth God has blessed us with; we are merely caretakers of it. Caring for God’s gifts – and sharing them – is what stewardship is all about. When approached from this perspective, stewardship is not an onerous obligation, but a joyous expression of thanksgiving and an opportunity to use the gifts God has given us to do the work God is calling us to do. 

Serving as an instrument of God, St. Bartholomew’s enables each parishioner to answer God’s call in his or her own way by:

• Blessing us with the sacraments
• Offering a variety of ministries through which to serve God
• Nurturing a vital Christian community in which to share in God’s love and grace.

As members of this parish, each of us is charged with ensuring that St. Bartholomew’s is able to continue to serve as God’s instrument. Each of us is charged not with giving, but with giving back.

Thanks to your generosity and that of your fellow parishioners, St. Bartholomew’s 2011 stewardship campaign was a success, achieving our budgeted goal of $120,000. In order to meet projected increases in operating expenses for 2012 however, the vestry has set a pledge goal of $125,000. If every parishioner could find it in their heart – and wallet – to increase their giving by just 4 percent, we can achieve this goal. Regardless of the amount, however, all gifts are to God and, as such, accepted with love and thanksgiving.

As you make your pledge decision, please keep in mind the role St. Bartholomew’s plays in your relationship with Jesus Christ. Ask yourself if you have taken full advantage of the opportunity St. Bartholomew’s provides to serve and worship God as well as to serve all of God’s children. Then, after prayerful consideration, ask yourself if what you are giving back to God, through St. Bartholomew’s, is an accurate reflection of His role in your life.

Finally, help St. Bartholomew’s continue to share the joys of this blessed community by Keeping the Faith and Passing the Torch so others may serve and worship in God’s glory. Please complete and return your enclosed 2012 Pledge by November 4.

Thank you and God bless you and your family for your continuing generous support of this parish and its programs.

 

Warmest Regards,

2012 Stewardship Committee

 

Brent Grimes

Joanne Frazier

Jeff Taylor