
Stewardship
Our theme for the
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Our Fall Festival of Fiscal Fitness
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WAVES VS CURRENTS
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Ocean waves rise and fall in an instant. They are as fickle as the wind that forms them. In a similar way, our careers, financial metrics, fortunes, and political campaigns rise and fade quickly. They toss us about and are fleeting. Ocean currents are predictable and steady. They move massive amounts of water and energy around the planet. They are persistent and can carry messages in bottles or travelers for long distances. We can choose to hitch our rides, spend our lives, and put our resources into things that are fleeting or those that persist. Nothing is more persistent or reliable than God’s faithfulness. During our Stewardship Campaign, we invite you to hear God’s call to commit your resources to his work, which is steady as a current and outlasts any waves of this world. If you have not returned your pledge, we ask that you do so as soon as possible as this will help our Budget Committee plan for the new year. |
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What Motivates your Giving,
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Giving for the present day is a good motivator, but it also risks losing sight of the real reasons behind our generosity. Calculating tax credits, determining worthiness of receiving organizations, fretting about how recipients spend what we give them, and focusing on near-term budget impacts from the pandemic are symptoms of giving that are focused on the present. Giving for the long-term does not care about these short-term issues. Giving for the future is characterized by considering the legacy and impact that we leave behind after we are gone. It is about sustaining a community of believers that lasts from generation to generation. It is about where we are going, not where we happen to be now. During our stewardship campaign, we invite you to hear God’s call to commit your resources to his work, giving to the future in a spirit of optimism that comes only from faith in God. If you have not returned your pledge, we ask that you do so as soon as possible as this will help our Budget Committee plan for the new year. |
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A Note to Share |
If you are like me, I desire to be well known by God, I want to be on His “A” team, His go-to guy. But I would also like to audit the reports he receives in case there is something in there that I don’t really want Him to know. I’m not sure being fully known by God is particularly advantageous to my well-being. I understand that He has forgiven me and continues to do so. For that I am grateful. I guess I keep Him busy. But where I grow a bit uncertain is how he feels about what I do with my time and my money. To what extent is enough, enough? I don’t have the answer, but I wonder if you struggle with this at times like I do. The Stewardship Committee has been reminding us to pray about and then send in our annual commitment (pledge) to St. John’s. Earlier the committee’s focus was on time and talent and now it is time we focus on treasure. Will God be pleased with my response? Do I need to reconsider the adequacy of my commitment? Or is enough, enough? Let me know if you have figured this out and may God bless us all for our effort. Dick Barr Stewardship Committee |
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A HEARTFELT THANK YOU
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This congregation is amazing! In the midst of all that is going on in our world – maybe because of it, the response to our postcard reminder message was wonderful. The financial commitments for 2021 show that our people love God, love our neighbors, and love each other. A big thank you to all who have made a 2021 commitment. If you have not yet responded to the request for your financial commitment for 2021, please do so as soon as you can. If you have questions, please contact Mary Beth in the Parish Office, Mike Demyanovich, our treasurer, or any member of the Stewardship Committee.
We hope everyone has an enjoyable Thanksgiving and a blessed Advent season. |
What is Stewardship? |
Stewardship is about our faithfulness to God. All that we have is provided by God. What resources has God given us to do the meaningful work that advances God's mission in the world? We need to be good stewards of what God has placed under our care including relationships, financial resources, and spiritual gifts. In the coming weeks we hope to highlight the abundance of time and talent all of you contribute to the St. John's community in the many ministries as well as understand how we all can joyously share in a portion of the treasure we have received to support the programs and people doing God's work. Let us first get to know the stewardship committee. All are welcome to join! If you are interested in joining us, please contact the Parish Office, . |
Meet the Stewardship Committee
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Dick Barr has been a member of St. John's for over 30 years. He has served in many ministries and currently is on the Vestry. He is a LEM and LEV and runs the Annual Golf Outing. He enjoys anything golf and is a member of the PGA. |
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Andy Cooper has been a member of St. John's for 13 years and is a former Vestry member and warden. He serves as a Sunday school teacher and spearheaded the recent Capital Campaign. He enjoys running and family time. |
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Sarah Dore has been a member of St. John's for over 30 years. She started God's Gardeners and has been a Vestry member and warden as well as a LEM. Sara is active in DAR, the Naperville Women's Club and the Chicago Sinfonietta. |
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Lois Garland-Patterson has been a member of St. John's since 2015. She is our current Senior Warden. She has served as an usher and as part of the the Farmer's Market, Buildings and Grounds and Budget committees. She is a member of the Daughters of the King. She enjoys cooking, sewing, reading and walking. |
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Birnie Harper has been a member of St. John's for 11 years. He is involved in the Farmer's Market, Outreach Board, Righteous Brothers and Wednesday Morning Bible study. He enjoys reading, cooking, yard work and watching movies and sports. |
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Deb Oleskowicz has been a member of St. John's for 30 years. She has served on the Vestry, as a Sunday school teacher, Pennywise volunteer, and Outreach Board member. She enjoys gardening, biking, kayaking, hiking and traveling. |
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Randy Russell is a former Vestry member and warden. He serves as an usher, lay reader, and is a member of the Brotherhood of St. Andrew, Men's Bible Study and Welcome Center staff. He is a representative for the Boy Scout Troop 133 and enjoys wine, traveling, college basketball and golf. |
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Allyson Salisbury has been a member of St. John's for 2 years moving here from New Jersey. She serves on the Farmer's Market committee and enjoys gardening, knitting, cooking and bike riding. |
Show Us Your Light |
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Hello from the Stewardship Committee! We hope you are all doing well. As we live through Covid-19, we would love to hear for you! What are you doing while staying at home? How is the ministry you are involved in been working? What has your faith journey been like during this time? How are you acting as a good steward? Please us us a short 1 minute video from you phone to, that we can share. |
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Aylish Bernie Deb
Michelle Randy
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Garden Group Ministry |
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Gardens are a great example that we reap what we sow. Take a walk around St. John’s and see the beauty of the many varieties of flowers and plants volunteers work so hard taking care of. |
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Then the Lord took the man and put him into the garden of Eden to cultivate it and keep it. Genesis 2:15 |
TENSMiracles: transformational moments
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