Planting Seeds of Faith

Dear Siblings in Christ,

As summer gives way to the promise of fall, we enter a season of reflection and renewal. At First Lutheran, this means the beginning of our annual stewardship campaign at the end of August—a time to consider how we give of ourselves, our resources, and our hearts to God’s mission in the world.

We give in so many ways already.

We give when we show up on Sunday mornings to worship together.

We give when we teach Sunday School, serve on committees, or prepare communion.

We give when we welcome guests, visit the homebound, and pray for one another.

We give through pledges and offerings that support our ministries, care for our building,
and extend Christ’s love beyond our doors through Love Chapel, Hope Food Pantry,
and our own Blessing Boxes.

We give when we gather donations for Undies for Everyone for Sans Souci, ensuring
that both children and adults have new, clean underwear, socks, and shoes for school
or work.

We give when we create beautiful quilts for distribution through Lutheran World Relief to
ensure those in need have the warmth and comfort of a lovingly made quilt.

We give when we host our Scouting America groups, contributing to developing a
generation of children who care for and give back to society.

Each act of generosity—no matter the size—is a seed planted in faith, bearing fruit for
God’s kingdom.

As we look ahead to the next stewardship year, I invite you to prayerfully consider
what new seeds God may be calling you to plant. What do you hope our ministry
can look like in the coming year? Where is the Spirit nudging us to grow? And how
might you—how might we—be part of that?

Giving isn’t only about dollars (though your financial gifts matter deeply). It’s also about
imagination, time, energy, presence, and love. Stewardship is about how we live as
disciples in every part of our lives.

Let us ask God to open our hearts and stretch our vision.

A Stewardship Prayer for Inspiration:

Generous God,

You are the Giver of every good gift. You have filled our lives with grace and our community with abundance. As we begin this stewardship season, awaken our hearts with gratitude.

Stir our imaginations with new possibilities. Inspire us to think outside the box—about how we give, where we serve, and how we can bring Christ to the heart of others in bold and joyful ways.

Give us courage to dream, faith to respond, and love to lead.

In Jesus’ name we pray.

Amen.

Thank you for being a part of this community of faith. Together, we are the stewards of
God’s future at First Lutheran—and may God bless the fruits of our labor together.

In hope and faith,
Pastor Amy