After four Sundays examining the theme of Every Perfect Gift, Sunday is our Stewardship Celebration! After the table is set for Communion, there will be an opportunity to come forward and place your pledge card on the altar, a literal offering up of your tithe of time, talent and treasure to God. I find something holy in the process of physically placing my promise to God and St. Mary’s on the Altar in worship. Since I give online each month, I rarely have the opportunity to mark my monthly pledge. On Pledge Sunday, I am reminded of my connection to St. Mary’s and the many ways we are forming disciples in the world.
I will be mostly out of the office next week as I head to Clergy Conference. The Reverend Ann Hallisey, our Diocesan Consultant, will be leading the event. The Rev. Ann is helping us through the process of discernment as we prepare to put together a Diocesan profile, and eventually call a new bishop. Clergy conference will allow the clergy of the diocese an opportunity to connect with one another, listen, pray and reflect on our shared life during this season in the Diocese of Milwaukee. We will examine what we value most in our life together in core mission and look to the future with that perspective. I am looking forward to time with my clergy colleagues and am excited to hear the news from around the Diocese. I will be in the St. Mary’s office on Monday and Thursday.
Elmer Gandt’s funeral has been scheduled for Saturday, November 6 at 11 a.m. There will be a visitation at 10 a.m., and the service will be followed by a private inurnment. I hope you will join us as we celebrate Elmer’s life and reaffirm the promise of eternal life made in baptism.
A reminder that we will celebrate All Saints on Sunday, November 7 and All Souls/Veteran’s Day on November 14. Please feel free to carve pumpkins for All Saints and submit the names of your departed loved ones for All Souls/Veteran’s Day.
Prayers and blessings,
Mother Pippa