2022 STEWARDSHIP CAMPAIGN

THEME: RISE UP & BUILD

"And I told them of the hand of my God which had been good upon me, and also of the king's words that he had spoken to me. So they said, 'Let us rise up and build.' Then they set their hands to this good work." - Nehemiah 2:18 (NKJV)

On June 2, 2022 severe wind and rain caused damage to our church buildings. Since then, we have had to work hard to build back our church. We needed everyone to volunteer their time, talent and treasure towards the build back of our church. Rebuilding is never easy, and this time was no different. The dilapidated condition of our church buildings was hard for all of us to see but the deeper question was whether or not we saw spiritual distress of our people and those in our city. Just as the walls of Jerusalem were painstakingly rebuilt after the Babylonian exile, we have embarked on a rebuilding process as a church. This opportunity is not just a worldly endeavor to restore physical buildings. We must embrace this season of our church life as a chance to rebuild our heart, soul and mind for God.

None of us can do this work alone. It will take all of us. Together, we will stand. Divided, we will fall. This rebuild demands unity and harmony. Nothing good will come from trying to place blame or finding a scapegoat. Criticizing one another or condemning each other will not get the work done. It can be assumed that some individuals will take on bigger roles than others in the work of restoration. However, every individual must discern what they can give to the Lord, and they must not hold back. This is what we are being called to do individually and as a community.

The rebuilding process will require tons of time and considerable hard work. Our efforts will be vain if there is no real spiritual impact on our members and on our city. Are we going to simply standby and watch old buildings being restored or are we willing to give what we can and do what we are able to do in order to bring the life of Christ back into our church and city? Each of us will be held accountable for how we use the gifts that God has given us.

This coming Sunday, November 20 is STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY. God invites you make a pledge of how you intend to support the work of the church and the ministry of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Farmers Branch. Your pledge/donation will symbolize your prayers for God to restore his glory to our church and to free our people from years of slavery to divisive rhetoric and behavior. The Rev. Audrey Sutton will be our chief celebrant and preacher. We will be providing a free lunch immediately after worship for all who attend. We encourage you to come with family and friends as we join together in celebrating grace and loving our city.

Do not become frustrated with the struggles we face as a worshipping community. Be assured that there will still be some who complain that there is no need for a rebuild or that the work of restoration demands too much from us or that the obstacles to a brighter future are too many. Bear in mind, that as we rise up and build, this is not our private project but rather the public project of God.  It is God who inspires us, sets the vision for this rebuild, moves the hearts of the people to carry out the work, and ultimately brings his plan and purposes to fruition.

While our financial resources are limited and the number of members in our church community is low, the truth is that God’s power is unlimited and his grace is more than sufficient for our needs. Therefore, be confident and rest assured that together we will rise up and build.

Please submit a pledge card this coming Sunday, November 20 or make a one-time donation to St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church in Farmers Branch. Together, we will rise up and build! Click here to: DONATE

Click here for a cartoon video on Nehemiah’s message to rise up and build. - VIDEO LINK

To God be the glory now and forever. Amen.

Fr. Thomas+



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