Beloved friends,

During the last 4 weeks of October this year we are leaning into a time to reflect of what it means to be a part of Trinity; a progressive, inclusive, creative community of faith. One of the responses of that time of reflection will be to respond to the call to make a financial pledge for 2023. 

Each week we will hear from our Co-chairs, Trinity members Jeffrey Albright and Kim Buehler as well as take in Impact stories from the membership articulating why Trinity is a place they have chosen to invest in through time and commitment and financial support.

Additionally, in this space we will share different perspectives on this year’s theme, “More than Enough” offered by voices from around the country in our denomination through the work of the Episcopal Network for Stewardship (tens.org).

May this time be rich and generative as together we say yes to the invitation to give generously in response to all the blessings we receive.

May you never forget that you are loved,

Lisa

A Testimony of Stewardship

By Erin Weber-Johnson
Senior Consultant at Vandersall Collective,
Co-editor of:
Crisis and Care: Meditations on Faith and Philanthropy
with Dr. Dustin Benac.

Luke describes a powerful scene after ten lepers are cured. What might this teach us about giving and stewardship?

Stories like this are tricky, making connections between healing and faithfulness. Misreading the text has led some to say if only the unwell could have more faith, they could be healed. Such readings are not only wrong, but they also perpetuate all kinds of injustice and ableism. Rather, the God found in scripture shows preference for the poor, the sick, and those on the margins.

The same phrase “made you well” can be translated from the Greek as “saved you.” Within a Hebrew understanding of salvation history, saving was both a deeply physical act (healing and liberation) and a reality rooted in community. Both Hebrew and New Testament scriptures point to a God deeply concerned about the physical suffering and oppression of a people. When the prophets and the gospels both speak of a messiah figure, who would bring salvation, that saving act was expected as liberation for a collective people.

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