Go out into the deep

/ St. Mark's Episcopal Church/

Stewardship Campaign 2027

APPEARANCE ON LAKE TIBERIAS BY DUCCIO DI BUONINSEGNA, PUBLIC DOMAIN, VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS

Dear Friends,

When Jesus had finished speaking, he said to Simon, “Put out into deep water, and let down the nets for a catch.” (Luke 5:4)

Peter is skeptical and tired, because they had been fishing all night and they caught nothing. Still, he follows Jesus’ command. He casts the net into the deeper water, and behold, a marvelous catch is made.

How often are we like Simon Peter, thinking that our efforts will not achieve much? In Honolulu, there can be a negative mindset that lacks enthusiasm for government, schools, churches, and institutions. There is a skepticism that questions, “why bother?” or “what good will it do?” It is precisely during such times that we are challenged by God to go deeper in our faith.

As Christians, we have the existential resources for creating life out of the darkness, abundance out of the scarcity. When the world says there can be no life, no goodness, no purpose, the church is gifted to proclaim resurrection, beauty, and meaning. We are the ones to show others how to go deeper into Jesus Christ, bringing life and hope in a world that frequently suffers.

This autumn the Evangel has been offering reflections inviting us to go deeper into our faith. We are invited by God and the Church to increase our intention for prayer, study, and worship. Amidst this call to faithfulness, we are asked to support St. Mark’s with our financial resources.

You may pledge online for 2027 through the church website. Pledge sheets are also in the church and may be placed in the Sunday offering. On Sunday, November 15, we will celebrate the Anniversary of the Dedication of St. Mark’s, and pledge commitments will be blessed at the masses. On behalf of the Vestry, thank you for your generous commitment to St. Mark’s.

Father Paul Lillie
Rector, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Honolulu

 
Pledge Online for 2027
 

Stewardship 2027: Go out into the deep

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