Fall Fundraiser
It is that time of year again - our annual Fall Fundraiser!! Last year we had to change the format from a dinner to an online fundraiser. It was very successful, so we have decided to do it online again this year. We raised $17,000 in November 2020 thanks to the generosity of our congregation.
Hopefully by next year we will be able to gather at the church again to share turkey dinner and to enjoy some fun and fellowship.
We know that people do not give because of a turkey dinner or a few songs and skits! We give to support the missions and ministries of St. Stephen’s. We also know that 2021 has been a difficult year and we are truly grateful for the regular, faithful offerings we have received during these past months while the church building has been closed. As a congregation you have responded to change in so many ways, including using online giving, mailing in your offerings, and sending e-transfers through the bank.
We are asking that you give to the Fall Fundraiser this year as you are able. Donations can be made using the "Give Online" button on the HOME page of this website. When you click on that button, you are given a choice as to where your offering goes, and you can simply click “Fall Fundraiser”. Your donation can also be mailed to the church and marked “Fall Fundraiser” on the front of the envelope. If you are attending Sunday services, you can put your envelope in the collection box at the entry to the sanctuary. For those who prefer to do e-transfers through your bank, that is an easy and cost-effective way to make your donation. Please mark “Fall Fundraiser” in the memo section.
The Fall Fundraiser will run from November 1 to November 15th.
In closing, we offer you this prayer of Thanksgiving and ask you each to pray it from your homes so that in doing so, we are praying it together as a congregation.
Gracious and Loving God,
As this year draws towards its close, we look back with gratitude for your continued presence with us and care for us. Thank you for providing for us so that we can share what we have by giving to others. Even more, thank you for calling us to share your love in so many ways and entrusting us with a vision for how to live out this call.
As we slowly emerge from the restrictions of pandemic life, we ask you for patience and the determination to persevere. Keep us committed to our congregational life together and help us to know that in these times when so much of life is changing and uncertain, our mission to follow you is more important now than ever.
God guide us as we relaunch and reimagine our life together for the future and lead us with your grace as we serve our friends and families, our community, and our world, in your name. Encourage us, enliven us, and gift each of us with glimpses of the peace, hope, life, and love that are at the heart of your Kingdom around us.
Finally, Jesus, as you multiplied a young boy’s fish lunch, would you multiply all that we give of our time, our talents, and our treasure, and may it all be used for the purposes of bringing your Kingdom more fully into being. In your name, and together as your people we pray, Amen.
May God Bless each of you, and keep you safe,
St. Stephen’s Resource Management Team
& St. Stephen’s Board
Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash