Hi First Presbyterian,

It’s time for our Mid-Week Meet-Up! Later this week, you’ll see my newsletter article is about the stewardship sermon series I’ll be leading starting this Sunday. The focus of the series will be on the Vital Congregations Initiative, specifically the 7 Marks of a Vital Congregation. Picking up on both the topics of stewardship and vitality, the theme of the campaign this year is “Living Through Giving.” Many organizations need to raise funds. I’m reminded of this every time I hear an NPR pledge drive on the radio, my favorite podcasts asking listeners to support their Patreon page, or I receive a letter from one of my alma maters asking for donations. The church is no different, and yet it is. For Christians, there is actually a deeper motivation for the act of giving than just supporting organizations they value. Generosity is one of the fruits of the Spirit. It is a virtue that the Holy Spirit helps to create in us. Paul says in Galatians 5:22: “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control.” It makes sense when you think about it, because generosity is about selflessness and faith. When we practice generosity, we are cultivating a spiritual discipline. In other words, generosity helps to make us more like Jesus.

In my newsletter article, I say that, as a church, I believe many of our transitions are behind us, and there are opportunities ahead of us to start building up momentum for the journey ahead. The Nominating Committee is seeking people to serve as Elders, Deacons, and Trustees. Volunteering as one of these church officers is a great way to take a leading role in our exciting future, while also, with your time, practicing the spiritual discipline of generosity. I hope you are looking forward to the stewardship sermon series just like I am, and I pray for discernment as all of us listen for how God is calling us to help build the kingdom of God here in Pittsford and beyond.

Peace to you,

Pastor Aaron