Thanks to your spiritual and financial commitment to St. Ambrose, we continued our vision of Worship, Wisdom and Work. While COVID-19 has affected us all in different ways, your generosity has allowed us to work in this community by providing meals to those in need and COVID-19 testing to a community that has been hit hardest by the virus. We have continued to reach our parish family and beyond with several ways to engage in worship; and opportunities for wisdom with Sunday and Wednesday Faith Formation.

The future may look different, but your support enables us to plan for future ministries that align with the impact of 2020 on our church family and our community. This year’s pledge card opens a new opportunity for you to consider your financial ability and will to renew or upgrade your support for St. Ambrose and its future ministries.

One thing Jesus taught us is that God is a constant and abundant provider of all our needs. Your pledge should reflect a measure of God’s generosity to you and be grounded in your faith, love, and commitment to continue to build God’s kingdom here on earth.

Of all of Jesus’ miracles the ‘Feeding of the 5,000’ is probably one of the best known, being the only miracle that appears in all four gospels. Jesus was preaching to a large crowd who grew hungry and needed to be fed, but only five loaves and two fishes could be found. Jesus looked toward heaven and blessed the food. Breaking the loaves into pieces, he kept giving the bread and fish to his disciples to distribute among the people. After everyone had eaten and was satisfied, twelve baskets of food remained.

There are many interpretations of the meaning of this miracle, but there’s also an aspect that’s often overlooked – it was a child who had the faith to offer his food to Jesus knowing that it meant he may go hungry himself. Without this selfless act of stewardship, this miracle would not have been possible.

Feeding the hungry is both an act of compassion and a demonstration of the presence of God’s kingdom. At St. Ambrose we continue to increase our efforts to serve the needy in our own community and beyond. We have a re-energized Outreach Committee and increased interest from Vestry and the congregation. Renewal is happening.

The Lord still bids us to get busy and feed the multitudes!

As you prayerfully consider your response please take into consideration the ‘miracles’ that may be possible with your generosity.

As a committed and valued member, we invite you to take a moment to consider completing the online pledge card for 2021.

This is not a casual decision, nor is our appeal. There are many ways to give, and if you have questions or concerns, our clergy or knowledgeable lay people are here to assist. Take time to reflect and to pray, listening to God and seeing His hand at work.

Through giving, we strengthen faith, serve Christ, serve others, and more clearly communicate our gratitude, enhancing the opportunities for individual and collective joy.

Together in Christ,

Sonja N. Hines

Stewardship Chair