America Recycles Day—November 15

Check out these five tips from Cleaner Greener Hingham, with some specific tips on how to recycle in Hingham!

  1. Recycle E-Waste Properly: Find designated drop-off points for electronics, as they require special handling. Household electronics can be recycled at the Transfer Station. 

  2. Use a Reusable Bag: Reduce plastic waste by bringing reusable bags for shopping instead of relying on single-use bags. Remember to wash your bags regularly. 

  3. Donate Before You Dispose: If items are still usable, consider donating them instead of recycling. The Hingham SWAP Shop at the Transfer Station is a great option for giving your gently used items a new life. 

  4. Use Recyclable Packaging: When shopping, opt for products with recyclable (like aluminum) or minimal packaging. And always remember your reusable bags and refillable water bottles! 

  5. Participate in Local Cleanups: Join community cleanup efforts to help keep your neighborhood clean and raise awareness about recycling. Keep an eye out for more information on Cleaner Greener Hingham Day coming in spring 2025!

Greening Advent brought to you by your Creation Care Ministry

This Advent season, let’s embrace sustainability and care for our planet with these simple yet impactful actions:

  • Shop Locally: Support local businesses to reduce shipping emissions and strengthen our community, such as the holiday boutiques Nov. 23 at St. John’s and Hingham High School.

  • Use Recycled Wrapping: Choose recycled or reusable wrapping materials without glitter to minimize microplastics and waste. Some additional tips and wrapping paper alternatives here.

  • Compost Your Christmas Tree: After the holidays, compost your tree to enrich the soil instead of sending it to the landfill here via the Hingham Boy Scouts and Weir River Farm 

Together, we can make a positive impact this Advent. Thank you for joining us in this green journey!

Sunday School Update: Welcoming the new Bishop

Sunday School Director Alexic MacElhiney

Dear St. John’s families,

This Sunday, we begin preparing for exciting events happening next week!

On Tuesday Nov. 19th at 6 p.m., we will formally install the ninth rector of our parish, Fr. Ed Thornley! Our new bishop, the Rt. Rev. Julia Whitworth, will be celebrating the service. It’s a great opportunity to meet her as well! A reception will follow.

In preparation for the bishop’s visit we'll be learning all about what a bishop does, what they wear, and how the dioceses are organized. We’ll also be making a special welcome gift for Fr. Ed and Bishop Whitworth. Please plan to be there this Sunday and for the service next Tuesday!

If you haven’t done so yet, please consider making your pledge here so that we may continue programming next year at current levels at a minimum!

Warmly,

Alexis

The History of St. John’s Needlepoint Guild

Hand stitched kneelers are a long tradition in the Anglican community. They are both an adornment and an expression of faith. St. John’s Needlepoint Guild was formed in 1989, when the first two kneelers were gifted to us by our sister church, St. Andrew’s Parish in Hingham, England. Since that time nearly 100 people have provided their time and talents creating these works of art and expressions of faith.

Each row of 6 or 12 kneelers has a different theme. The designs are inspired by the Bible and Christian lore and represent the many symbols of our faith. Our designs range from the very traditional symbols to stories intended to appeal to the children of our parish. Each kneeler is dedicated by a parishioner, family, friend—or the stitcher—in memory or in celebration of a loved one. Next time you are in church, lift your eyes to the Lord, but look down too!

From the Rector: A living hope in a time of anxiety

The Rev. Edward Thornley

Dear friends,

During our All Souls Sunday Eucharist, which we will celebrate this weekend, our second reading will come from The First Letter of Peter: 1 Peter 1:3-9. In this reading, we find an often used saying in the Church: “a living hope.” The phrase “a living hope” is a curious one. It holds together two perhaps contradictory ideas. On the one hand, we have the word “living.” Living means to be alive right now, to be present in this world, engaged in the here and now. “Hope” inspires a different thought. Hope is a word more concerned with that which is not here yet, things yet to come; perhaps something we yearn for or desire, but which is not immediately within our grasp. So, what does it mean, then, to experience a “living hope?”

The writer, who we believe is Peter the Apostle, is speaking about what it means to live somehow simultaneously both in the present and in the future. This is a central aspect of the Christian faith: to live now in light of not only the past we have come from, but the future, the Kingdom of Heaven, which we anticipate and which we might even experience in this moment. Why speak of this? And how, exactly, does this work? Peter writes these words so that one might contemplate what it means to live in faith, especially in moments when even the present, let alone the future, is not entirely certain. And the way we might accomplish this is to do those things which God in Christ calls us as Christians to practice: to love one another.

In the Christian faith, when people love one another, remember one another, engage with one another, we live in a way which unites those three dimensions of past, present, and future. A way of life which honors others, which acknowledges all three dimensions; and where one seeks to inspire confidence by focusing on what makes someone or something so important, thus helping you understand why you love them so much, and where this love is ultimately going. In the original Greek language of the New Testament, the word for “hope” is ἐλπίς (elpis), which means expectation, hope; and, in particular, a hope, trust, or confidence which is focused intently on the author or the source of one’s hope. In other words, by focusing on, meditating on, and contemplating who is important to us, we are reminded of what it means to truly live in the light of the resurrection: the eternity beyond death itself. For All Souls Day, “a living hope” is very much at the center of our prayers and our living of them, as we honor those who we love, and indeed how their lived example brings us closer to God, the source of all hope itself. But this reading, I find, is also helpful elsewhere right now.

This past week has been a challenging one, to say the least. Not only do we find ourselves in a season in the Church where both death and our perceived life beyond it are front and center, but where we share other facets of life which inspire different anxieties and concerns. To put it bluntly perhaps, the election of the next President of the United States of America has brought this about. This week’s events have occupied every newspaper, every online publication, every air wave, and every news bulletin, as much as every prayer list. And the prayers, the concerns, and the anxiety continue. Indeed, no matter which side one finds themselves on, and even if one finds does not align themselves with any particular ideology or group, there is very much a common, shared experience. That is, to feel caught in the midst of something which does not seem to be fully reconciled, in fact far from it. Two things manifest themselves, then: an anxiety at the lack of harmonious resolution, and a desire for it. Two things which, interestingly and importantly, we all share, even if we do not see eye to eye on where this anxiety resides and how the resolution might be sought.

One thing that is worth remembering amid such a time, is precisely that wherever we locate ourselves, we all actually share those twin experiences of anxiety and desire for reconciliation. In an odd way, at a time where we often find ourselves divided, this two-fold experience unites us. We are united, perhaps, in our shared anxiety and need to resolve it. That’s not a good thing in itself, but it is something; something that maybe, just maybe, might become a starting point for conversation, collaboration, or even, risky as it may feel, to engage what it means to embody a living hope. In other words, we remember the past, we hold the present, and we look to the future; and we ask one another what this means and what this might look like. And yes, again, that is a risk, depending on who you talk to. It’s not easy. Furthermore, it hurts. And it hurts even when we begin to contemplate how to engage again with those who we fear, or who we fear may hurt us. But if the Christian faith teaches one thing that we can all begin with, no matter what, it is that desire for and the opportunity to engage in a living hope. How we navigate that exactly is the task, but the fact that it is a possible task means there is a possible way. And I am confident that our own parish community, like any and every other community, can do it. And when we struggle, may we listen to those words of scripture, and allow the one who accomplishes them accomplish that same reconciliatory spirit in us. That is something worth living in hope.

The Rev. Edward Thornley

Rector

Welcome Jameson!

Fr. Ed Thornley baptizes Jameson DesRoche Nov. 3, as family and Sunday School children look on.

Dear St. John’s families,

This past week we welcomed Jameson DesRoche into our church community. What a gift to be a part of this very special day, the primary moment in the life of a Christian person to be remembered and looked forward to. Congratulations to Mom and Dad, Jamie and Michael, and big brothers Justin and Tyler!

This week in Sunday School we continue our lessons of the Old Testament, learning the origins of the Holy Bible in our Godly Play classrooms and the story of the Ark of the Covenant in our 3/4/5 classroom.

At this time of year, we start to anticipate and plan for our treasured holiday traditions such as the Advent wreath making and the pageant. It’s also the time of year we begin thinking about programming for the next calendar year. As a reminder, all costs are borne by us as parishioners. Please make your pledge here so that we may continue programming at current levels at a minimum!

Lastly, please mark your calendars for the institution of Fr. Ed Thornley, the ninth rector of our parish! The service will be performed by our new bishop, The Right Reverend Julia Whitworth at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 19. A reception will follow.

Warmly,

Alexis

Prayers for Election Day

Dear friends,

As we reach the week when the election takes place for the next President of the United States, we all find ourselves at a time of profound discernment. For some, there is wondering and contemplation. For some, there is anxiety or concern. There may be expectation, or there may be fear. For some, there could be any combination of the above, and for different reasons. Wherever you are in your journey at this time, The Episcopal Parish of St. John the Evangelist is here to support, love, pray with, and journey with you, as we walk together through this important week.

In this note, you will find a selection of prayers from different resources in the Episcopal Church, which you might use in the coming days. Furthermore, the Parish Church will be open for private prayer on Tuesday and Wednesday evenings, from 6 p.m. until 9 p.m. I will also be available during these times for anyone who wishes to meet, talk, or pray at the Parish Church.

Again, wherever you may be on your journey this week, know that St. John’s is your spiritual home, and a place where you are welcome and loved for who you are as a beloved child of God.

With every prayer and blessing for the week ahead,

Ed

The Rev. Edward Thornley

Rector of The Episcopal Parish of St. John the Evangelist

A Collect for an Election

O God, you made us in your own image
and redeemed us for the sake of your love:
Look with compassion on the whole human family;
take away the arrogance and hatred which infect our hearts;
break down the walls that separate us;
unite us in bonds of love;
and work through our struggle and confusion to accomplish your purposes on earth;
that, in your good time, we may all serve you in harmony around your heavenly throne.
Through Jesus Christ, Our Lord.

Amen.

Adapted from “Holding onto Hope—A National Service for Healing and Wholeness,” Washington National Cathedral, Washington DC, Nov. 1, 2020.

A Prayer for an Election

Most merciful God, whose son Jesus Christ taught us to love and to serve, may we be guided by your Holy Spirit in this time of decision for our nation.

Help us to remember that there are so many around the world who do not have this freedom, and remember, too, the lives lost to fight for our right to vote here in this democratic republic we call home.

Grant us wisdom in our discernment as we choose our leaders, and the grace to accept the results with humility—win or lose.

And once the election is decided, give us all the strength and compassion to work to heal this divided nation, that we may be empowered in common purpose to work toward the noble ideals that are the foundation of our republic, and that we may together love and serve the least of these.

All this we ask in Your name. Amen.

From Christ Episcopal Church, Glen Ridge, N.J.

Prayers of the People for an Election

Loving God, creator of this world who is the source of our wisdom and understanding, watch over this nation during this time of election. Help us to see how our faith informs our principles and actions.

Intercessor: God, our creator,

People: Guide us in truth and love.

We give thanks for the right to vote. Help us to hold this privilege and responsibility with the care and awareness it merits, realizing that our vote matters and that it is an act of faith.

Intercessor: God, our creator,

People: Guide us in truth and love.

Guide us through this election as a nation, state, and community as we vote for people to do work on our behalf and on the behalf of our communities. Help us to vote for people and ballot initiatives that will better our community and our world so it may reflect the values Christ taught us.

Intercessor: God, our creator,

People: Guide us in truth and love.

Help us create communities that will build your kingdom here on earth—communities that will protect the poor, stand up for the vulnerable, advocate for those who are not seen and heard, and listen to everyone’s voice.

Intercessor: God, our creator,

People: Guide us in truth and love.

 

We pray for this nation that is deeply divided. May we come together for the common good and do as you have called us to do—to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with you through creation.

Intercessor: God, our creator,

People: Guide us in truth and love.

 

Help us act out of love, mercy and justice rather than out of arrogance or fear.

Intercessor: God, our creator,

People: Guide us in truth and love.

 

Lord, continue to guide us as we work for the welfare of this world. We pray for places that are torn by violence, that they may know peace.

Intercessor: God, our creator,

People: Guide us in truth and love.

 

We pray for communities who are struggling with inequality, unrest, and fear. May we all work toward reconciliation with one another and with God.

Intercessor: God, our creator,

People: Guide us in truth and love.

 

Help us to listen in love, work together in peace, and collaborate with one another as we seek the betterment of our community and world.

Intercessor: God, our creator,

People: Guide us in truth and love.

By Rev. Shannon Kelly, Director Department of Faith Formation, The Episcopal Church

From “Vote Faithfully—An Election Engagement Toolkit,” The Episcopal Church Office of Government Relations

All Souls’ Sunday

Next Sunday, November 10, is All Souls’ Sunday. Please fill out and return the bulletin insert or email the office by November 6 if you would like to include names of loved ones who are no longer with us in the All Souls’ service.

Table with framed photos

The Choir will be hosting Coffee Hour next week and has invited anyone who wishes to bring framed photos of their loved ones (5x7 or smaller) to church to display around Upper Weld Hall.

Holiday Boutique returns Nov. 22-23

Holiday Boutique 2024! A beloved St. John’s and South Shore tradition, this year’s 24th Annual Holiday Boutique will be held on Saturday, Nov. 23 and as always, the Cocktail Party will be held on the eve of the Boutique on Friday, Nov. 22. As in past years, we need many volunteers to support this annual event and we have opportunities for people of all ages to get involved.

The online volunteer signup link is live! Please sign up here:

If you have any questions about getting involved please reach out to Jenn GaySmith or (617) 548-2434. Thank you so much for kicking off the 2024 holiday season by volunteering at this festive fundraiser and cherished annual tradition!

Cocktail Party Tickets on sale now!

Don’t miss St. John’s biggest social gathering of the year! Purchase your Cocktail Party Tickets here:

Wine bar at the Holiday Boutique

From the Rector: Remembrance Tide

Dear friends,

On Thursday evening of this week, we officially marked Halloween, originally known as All Hallows Eve. This is the night where, traditionally within the Church, vigils were kept prior to the following All Hallows Day or All Saints Day. “All Hallows” is the basis for “Halloween.”

According to Germanic traditions from the fifteenth century, people would visit houses throughout their communities, bringing “soul cakes” and other treats as a sign of their preparation for the day when the Church celebrates all the saints in heaven. Thus, on the next day the Church gives thanks for those Christians who have gone before us, who led lives of particular holiness, in making known the Kingdom of God. The vigils kept the night before, as is common with all vigils kept before a major feast, were a sign of excitement, celebration, and prayer to enable Christians to contemplate the significance of the feast prior to its central celebration. Today, although Halloween looks a little different, give or take a few details the sentiment is essentially the same … well, almost.

Following All Saints Day then comes All Souls Day or The Commemoration of All the Faithful Departed. On this third feast, we celebrate those who are special to us more personally, who have gone before us in the way of faith. Thus, we move liturgically, spiritually, and theologically from vigil to celebratory feast, then to more solemn remembrance, and especially for those closest to us.

Stained glass window at St. John's in loving memory of Selwyn Randall Lincoln, 1879-1964.

In The Church of England, this time of year is often also referred to as “Remembrance Tide.” This is because as we move through this passage of the year, we find ourselves spending a significant portion of time remembering the saints, those who we love, and indeed those aspects of our lives which require healing. Following All Souls Day, we soon reach Veterans Day (in the U.S.) or Remembrance Day (in the U.K. and Canada), where we remember those who have given their lives in service to their country. Furthermore, we find ourselves moving into a time where the seasons are truly changing once more, as autumn leaves finish falling, the dark and the cold begin in earnest, yet we then prepare for Thanksgiving, and then a new liturgical year with Advent. Change, remembrance, and hope are all significant themes which permeate this final part of the calendar year.

Over the next two Sundays, we will be marking these moments: with All Saints Sunday on November 3, and our All Souls Sunday on November 10. We will be celebrating the baptism of one of our youngest parishioners on November 3, and on November 10 we will be reading the names of those who have passed on from this life during the last year. As we frame the next few weeks around both the celebration of new life and of the lives of those who have now gone before us, I hope you will join us in the Parish Church for this special time of worship and contemplation. And if there is a loved one whom wish to remember on November 10, please be sure to send in their names on the form from the bulletin to the Parish Office.

I look forward to worshiping and praying with you as we journey through this time together: remembering, giving thanks, and then contemplatively looking to the future with hope.

The Rev. Edward Thornley

Rector

From the Rector: Finding the prayerful threads in community

“Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of services, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who activates all of them in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”

1 Corinthians 12:4-7

Over the last few weeks, I have been struck once more at how engaged our community is. We have witnessed the marvel that is The Not-So-Spooky Haunted House, thanks to the gargantuan efforts of Dan and Kaja Fickes, their daughters Elise and Kristi, John Lanza, and our incredible parishioners, and children and youth volunteers. I have also seen our Holiday Boutique appear more noticeably on the horizon, as plans are coming together around another major holiday event. We gathered for coffee hour at the Rectory last Sunday, as well as many of our parishioners engaging in our wider community through the Hingham Historical Society’s Tavern Night. Turns out St. John’s has quite the presence there!

Just when things seemed to calm down, I then found myself in meetings with Sunday School leaders, planning this Sunday’s All-Ages Worship and Stewardship Sermon; as well as our Outreach Committee’s meeting, a planning meeting for the South Africa trip, and of course our Wednesday morning Eucharist. And that’s before you get to our Transition Committee’s Wine and Cheese Evenings, the Men’s Group’s monthly meeting, our monthly Finance Committee meeting, and our community’s participation at the consecration of our new Bishop! A few of these events, I confess, I ultimately couldn’t attend because of clashes and, frankly, exhaustion! Oh, and I’m being instituted here on November 19 …!

When I was discerning, interviewing, and then finally preparing for arriving at St. John’s, I knew there would be a great deal of activity. Everyone in this community leads a busy life, to say the least! This was one of the things that inspired Devon and I the most about coming here. One of the great gifts of parish life is precisely what St. John’s does best, and that is, put simply, gathering. Through this we share our gifts and grow in our relationship with God through each of the particular aspects of parish life that draws us in and speaks to us most immediately. And at the heart of all these gatherings is prayer. Whether it is at a social event, a fundraiser, a committee or ministry meeting, or indeed an act of worship in and of itself; prayer is an essential part of each these. And prayer is part of even those gatherings which one might not immediately anticipate being explicitly spiritual or theological.

The last two weeks have felt like journeying a St. John’s “road map.” It began with the Eucharist on Sunday, from which point we left the parish church, going out into the world to engage in all the usual things that occupy our lives. And, in the midst of this, whether you are a priest, an administrator, a doctor, an accountant, or … fill in the blank … you find yourself back in our parish, sharing the gifts that you bring, and which make who you are with the community around you. There’s an interconnectivity between all these elements: a prayerful thread which ties everything together. Each act of gathering connects to another, from worship to social, from Haunted House to fundraising, from Hingham to South Africa and back, from one generation to another. As we move into a busy time of year, and approach a new liturgical year, how we navigate those specific prayerful threads that underlie our shared life will be an important theme, for “to each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.” And I am excited to walk that journey with you.

The Rev. Edward Thornley

Rector of The Episcopal Parish of St. John the Evangelist

Sunday School Update: Sunday School supports Outreach

Dear St. John’s families,

We are participating in Outreach’s food drive for WellSpring! Nearly one in four Americans experience food insecurity. This is a great way to teach children how they can help their neighbors. Please bring one of the following items and drop in the colorful bin downstairs in the Sunday School.

  • Cereal

  • Dry pasta

  • Microwaveable mac and cheese

  • Chef Boyardee canned products

  • Canned tuna fish

  • Peanut butter

  • Jelly

  • Granola Bars

This week is All Ages Worship! Wear your Halloween costume to church! For those of you not familiar, this is our 10 a.m. worship service that is geared towards children, though all are welcome! Some adults have said this is their favorite type of service. We will be treated to the choristers singing and Fr. Ed demonstrating one of our favorite Godly Play lessons from the gospel of Matthew. We need a few more ushers, greeters, and acolytes: please email me to sign up!

Afterwards, at coffee hour, we will be selling the beautiful birdhouses made by the Sunday School and Youth Group kids. Proceeds will be going towards the South Africa trip next summer.

St. John’s Choir presents Choral Evensong

Join us for the beautiful service of Evensong next Sunday, October 27 at 5 p.m. Evensong provides a time of reflection at the close of day: time for prayer, time to hear the Word of God, and time to listen to and sing beautiful music in response. Come for a brief respite from all the busy-ness of life. St. John’s Choir will sing Charles Stanford’s glorious setting of the Magnificat and Nunc Dimittis in B-flat, and Howells’ ethereal “A Hymn for St. Cecilia.” A reception will follow the service.

From the Rector: Going down a rabbit hole

Dear friends,

A frequent activity of Devon’s and mine is to walk around our town, or even our church campus, notice something, and then “go down a rabbit hole” learning about it. A few weeks ago, Devon and I were beginning to plan what to do with rectory garden, and we were standing in the dip at the bottom of the garden when our feet hit some rocks. We looked further and noticed some old gravel, a wood border buried under the grass, then the granite steps leading down into the space. After speaking with a few other friends, we discovered that there used to be an old English style formal garden in that area. And so, Devon and I started “digging” (online and in books, not in the earth, just yet …) to find out more. After further reading, studying plot plans in the church archive, online searches, and a conversation with one of “those in the know,” it turns out that this was once the formal garden of The Rev. John Gallop, Rector of St. John’s from 1951 to 1979.

Above the little hill in the garden also once stood a Greek style portico, pediment and columns (or pergola), which Fr. John rescued from demolition in the 1960s. The portico was once the entrance to the home of Major Samuel Thaxter (1723-1771), which stood in the center of Hingham until it was demolished and the site became St. Paul’s Roman Catholic Church. The portico was rescued by Hingham artist Martin Gay, who kept it in his garden until Fr. John later acquired it and placed it in the rectory garden. Upon his retirement, Fr. John gave it to The Hingham Historical Society, and it now sits in a formal garden not dissimilar to the old rectory garden at the Old Ordinary. Finally, it turns out that Dr. Thomas Thaxter, who built the house in 1788 which became our parish’s rectory, was the son of Major Thaxter, whose home the portico originally adorned. And … upon digging in the archives further, it turns out that the landscaping of the original rectory and church site was designed by the offices of Frederick Law Olmsted when The Rev. George Weld first acquired the site in 1906.

Now, this is a brief version of a lot of history, details may be slightly off, others will know more than me, and there is more to discover. And, of course, one might wonder if Ed and Devon have already lost the plot; no pun intended! (Sorry …) But, as we all know, if you want to learn about how to address the present and future, then you often need to look to the past. Not in a nostalgic way, of course. Indeed, Jesus spends a great deal of time throughout the Gospels telling people not to “go back” but to keep moving onward towards the kingdom of heaven. Yet learning from the past, making connections, and “joining the dots” in a community is part of what it means to make sense of a place; to make sense of where one is, why we’re here, and what we might do in the future. A short blast through a few books and papers yielded all sorts of ideas for possible future connections with different organizations, some gardening, maybe creation care ministry, perhaps even a research project or two. And it all comes back to some of those essential questions that we ask whenever we pray: Who are we? Where do we come from? Where are we going? And what does God want for us next?

Devon and I hope that you will join us for coffee hour at the rectory this week following our 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. services. And, if you like, do take a little walk in the garden …

With every prayer and blessing,

Fr. Ed.

Sunday School Update: Kids needed for All-Ages Worship

Dear St. John’s families,

Our “work day” was a big hit! The kids really enjoyed making birdhouses during Sunday School. A work day is a component of Godly Play, whereby the kids have an extended time to work on a project. This activity tied in perfectly with lessons we’ve been learning about Creation care and St. Francis. The Pre-K kids made a birdhouse together as a joint project, decorated with their fingerprints. It came out really nice! We hope to use it to enhance one of our pollinator gardens on the church grounds.

With this project, we also introduced the concept of service to the church community. The kids are donating the birdhouses they made for a fundraiser for our youth to go to South Africa next summer.

Please plan on attending coffee hour after All Ages Worship on Oct. 27 for our birdhouse fundraiser!

Speaking of All Ages Worship, we need a few more readers, ushers, greeters, and acolytes. Please email me to sign up! We will be treated to Fr. Ed demonstrating one of our favorite Godly Play lessons, The Parable of the Mustard Seed, from the gospel of Matthew.

Stewardship: Make Your 2025 Pledge Today

Behold, all things have become new! 

Thank you to all who have answered the call and submitted your 2025 Pledge!

Everything we do at St John’s—every service, every program, every church school class, and every bit of outreach—can happen only with financial contributions from our parishioners. We are the ones who are responsible for funding our parish. Our pledges made during the stewardship season will be the most important factor in determining our budget for next year. With broad increases in year-over-year pledged amounts, we can develop a plan that will sustain and grow our activities together.