Dear Friends,

We will begin a focus on Stewardship over the next few weeks. Stewardship is more than just an annual pledge drive - (this is not the churches turn to do what PBS does every so often)   It is an opportunity to consider our participation in the advancement of the Kingdom of God.  How are we investing ourselves and the resources of time, talent and treasure in the mission and ministry of the church?   Stewardship is comprehensive of all that we have, all that we do and who we are.  As I have been saying lately, every Sunday is Stewardship Sunday.   

Randy Alcorn writes in The Treasure Principle, Paul said, "See that you also excel in this grace of giving" (2 Corinthians 8:7). Like piano playing, giving is a skill. With practice, we get better at it. We can learn to give more, give more often, and give more strategically. 

I have found Incarnation to be a generous church over the years.  When we have a need it has been met often with an abundance.  We all know the news regarding the economy these days is often bleak.   A lot of folks are struggling and many are suffering day by day.  Some of you may very well be numbered among those challenged to pay the bills.  In the midst of calamity and difficulty God invites us to trust and obey and to be givers.   I have watched with joy as people have rolled up their sleeves and taken on projects at Canterbury.   I have watched as people gave sacrificially money and other resources for specific needs here in Oviedo and reaching around the world. We all can sharpen the skill of giving.  

Over the next few weeks I ask you to pray and consider how you are to increase your participation in the mission of the church.   What more can you do?  What talent can you share?  What can you give? Consider  This prayer accredited to Sir Francis Drake (circa 1590)

Disturb us, Lord, when we are too well pleased with ourselves; when our dreams have come true because we have dreamed too little; when we arrived safely because we  have sailed too close to shore.   

Disturb us, Lord, when with the abundance of the things we possess, we have lost our thirst for the water of life.  Stir us, Lord, to dare more boldly, to venture on wider seas, where storms will show your mastery; where losing sight of land, we shall find the stars.  We ask you to push back the horizons of our hopes and to push us into the future in strength, courage, hope and love.  Amen. 

May God grant us grace in the journey and may He find us faithful in each moment...   

in the mission,

Father Jon+  

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FOOD SUNDAY...  

October 30th  - Please bring non-perishable food items for the Oviedo Food Bank.  In these difficult days when so many are in need they depend on us to help stock the shelves.