Joel's Jottings: "Gratitude & Stewardship"

Do you keep your Christmas cards and read them again later? I have. It is uplifting to revisit these and hear the news again.

During Advent and Christmas there was a Gratitude Tree in the Hallway at the Church across from the sanctuary. Many folks stopped by to share what they were thankful for. The Gratitude Cards made their way to my mailbox. I looked over them recently and was encouraged by what they shared. To boil it down they were expressions of gratitude for family, friends and the Fondren Presbyterian community. There were expressions of joy for meaningful work, hope for new possibilities, and appreciation for all who make the ministry of the congregation move forward.

This was a meaningful way to approach Dedication Sunday on January 22. Making a gift from a place of joy, hope, and appreciation has a much different feeling than making a contribution from a place of desperation, hesitation, or pressure.

As you prepare to decide for yourself the what and how of your participation in the 2023 Stewardship effort of Fondren Presbyterian Church, consider where your appreciation lies. Read more about the narrative of this year’s budget and the components of the stewardship campaign.

Thank you for your involvement in and participation with the Fondren Presbyterian Church.