Beloved Friends –

Welcome to the 2023 Annual Pledge Drive. It is that time of year when we reflect on what it means to be part of a progressive, inclusive, and creative Christian community of faith supporting the ministry we share together in downtown Toledo, Ohio. It is that time of year when we set aside the social stigma of talking about money and boldly invite you to consider money as one of the many ways God can use to radically transform who we are as disciples. Regardless of the level of giving, we believe making this promise for the year ahead is a sign of hope and an affirmation that we are rooted in God’s abundance. Each year we focus on this invitation, encouraging all of us to make a pledge because it both changes who we are as individuals growing in generosity and as a community able to be an expression of God’s love in the world.

This year’s theme “Rooted in Abundance” was chosen to remind us we are infinitely blessed with resources and opportunities to grow in faith, courage, hope and love. Being rooted in abundance is about being certain, steadfast in our knowledge that we have enough to share with a world in need. It is about doing the hard work of knowing ourselves so that we can know how to help others. Each day we are called to move out of the center of our own worlds in order to see and respond to others with compassion and generosity.

Thank you in advance for your generosity as we begin another season of asking us all to “give and give generously so that we may do the work of the church in our community and in the world.

Peace and Blessings,

Donna
Donna Steppe, Senior Warden