This year we are embarking on two separate campaigns: Our 2026 Annual Pledge Campaign “Tell Out My Soul” and the second phase of our Capital Campaign “See! I am doing a new thing.” While these are separate campaigns with different goals, they are connected in the multiple ways the Spirit is moving at St. John’s. From the energy and growth we witness daily, to the tremendous opportunity to sell our back five acres and envision a new future for St. John’s, we have wonderful stories to share about how God is with us!

 

As Christians, we are storytellers. The Bible itself is a collection of these stories told over thousands of years. In Luke, we meet Mary and Mary Magdalene, who demonstrate how stories become seeds planted for future believers, to inspire them to listen to God’s wisdom and dream about future possibilities.

 

Mary sings joyfully after her encounter with the Divine, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior . . .” knowing that she will soon bear a child who will change the world. At the end of the Gospel, Mary Magdalene finds the tomb empty and sees Jesus standing in front of her. She runs with joy to share the Good News with the Disciples.

 

The Episcopal Church of St. John the Baptist has its own stories, from our origin as a mission to our current context. Like Bible stories, our stories are seeds within us. They are the seeds of joy, challenge, and how we rely on God to take brave and bold steps that transform us. These stories encourage us to trust in God to seek new opportunities to become the St. John’s of the future. Like Mary and Mary Magdalene, we are called to scatter these seeds by “telling out our soul” of God’s transformative power in our lives.

 

We also “tell out our soul” in gratitude when we give of our time, talents, and treasure to help our church operate and grow. Throughout September, we highlighted people’s contributions through ministries that enhance our experience of the Divine at St. John’s. This invitation welcomed us all to join in that work.

 

Today, we are invited to give of our treasures to help with St. John’s daily operations and invest in our future as God works among us. It is a time of renewal for us, with the Spirit’s palpable movement in, around, and through us.

 

Isaiah says, “See, I am doing a new thing. Now it springs forth.” We see the buds of our stories springing into something new and exciting, and we are all invited to be a part of this growth. Let us dream and imagine together as we continue to listen for God calling us forward toward new horizons.

 

Listen to the stories in your heart, pray, and discern where God calls you to be a part of this beautiful new thing. What unique talents do you have that can support or start new ministries? How can you best financially support the daily life and future of our parish community?

 

 

In faith and companionship,

 

Rev. Betsy+

 

 

Please click the links below to see our Pledge Brochures.
 2026 Pledge Brochure.pdf

 

 Use this Link to complete your Renewal Capital Campaign