Fr. David’s Stewardship Letter 2009:

Saint John’s is making a difference in our neighborhood and in San Bernardino! You are a part of our critical mission: being a striking example of the transformational love of Jesus Christ in the world.   I am writing this letter to thank you for your past support of our mission and to ask you to continue your support in the coming year. 

During the last year your contribution has made it possible for us to increase our ministries that address the needs of our neighbors and to provide important programs to equip the members of our congregation as disciples. 

Our food program that distributes food to the needy of the neighborhood at our Wednesday service, has grown from a few people to a congregation that averages around forty diverse persons – it has become our largest service of the week.  We are building community in that service and responding to the values of the Gospel.

Deacon Linda’s Community Success Center continues to provide a safe space for children to play and learn in the afternoons.  In the evening, the Homework Center helps kids achieve the full measure of their God given potential by tutoring and assisting them with their schoolwork.

Our Spanish Congregation is growing! Both the addition of Leo Barrientos as our Spanish language musician and the expansion of our Sunday School program are positive additions.

Adult Education programs provide a way for us to grow in our faith ; fellowship events offer a way for us to get to know each other better. Sandy Koenig’s education programs last year were key. This year we are expanding our offerings to include other congregations , as well as offering a noonday brown bag lunch program.

God is good to Saint John’s and its people. God has empowered us to make a difference in our lives and the lives of those who live in our neighborhood. Your continued pledge of support will enable us to continue making a difference.

My wife, Shelley, taught me a lot about giving. Her faithfulness to her pledge of support to the various parishes she was affiliated with, even when she was a student in seminary was an inspiration to me. She inspired me to begin tithing to Saint John’s last year. I believe that giving 10% off the top of your income is what God calls us to do as faithful Christians. It is Biblical and the National Episcopal Church has set this as the minimum standard of giving.

Times are tough. The economy is in a shambles. Some of us have seen our retirement accounts decrease by a significant amount. Given all of this it may be difficult to see how you can increase your pledge to Saint John’s this year and work toward the tithe. However, I can attest from my personal experience that making a commitment that is a sacrifice is highly rewarding. It gives me new eyes to see God’s blessings and gifts in my life and leaves me with a great feeling!

As you fill out the enclosed Pledge Card, please contemplate how your commitment to the mission of God through Saint John’s reflects your faith. Thank you for letting me share some thoughts with you that are important to me.

Faithfully In Christ,

Fr. David