From the Rector: Shining Our Light
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From the Rector - 2020 Stewardship Campaign
“You are the light of the world.
A city built on a hill cannot be hidden.
No one after lighting a lamp
puts it under the bushel basket,
but on the lampstand,
and it gives light to all in the house.
In the same way,
let your light shine before others,
so that they may see your good works
and give glory to your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:14-18
St. Francis Day 2019
Dear Friends of St. Mark’s,
Due to our local ways in Hawai‘i, we may be afraid to let our light shine before others. No one wants to be rude or lack humility. It’s best to stay under the radar and do your witness quietly.
But we must remember that there is a difference between letting our light shine and being shrill. This past year at St. Mark’s our light has been shining in a variety of ways, and it is for the good of our community. As I write this letter, volunteers are gathering in our newly renovated kitchen to make a hot and delicious meal for the needy of our streets. This is just one example of how the Light of Christ is shining through our ministries. This is the relevant point. We do not seek to shine our own light, but rather we are faithfully shining the Light of Jesus Christ.
The generosity of the people of St. Mark’s is great. Most of our yearly budget is supported by pledges. We have a very small endowment with limited rental income. St. Mark’s exists because our members pledge generously. They want the Light of Christ to shine brightly for the sake of others.
If you have not been shining the Light of Christ, we invite you to join us. If you have been shining the Light of Christ, we invite you to shine the light brighter. If you are tired of shining the Light of Christ, we invite you to recharge so that you may keep shining the light. The world needs the Light of Christ to shine brightly. We need disciples who generously share their time, talent, and treasure with the church and the world. We need people who will give of their time even when they are tired. We need people to give of their talent without being asked or thanked. We need people to give their money sacrificially so that more ministry may happen.
In the coming weeks you will be receiving a 2020 pledge card for St. Mark’s. It is coming at a later date, because I don’t want people filling out their card without praying about their commitment first. Too much is at stake to just go through the motions, for only the Light of Christ can save the world. For now I ask you to pray about how you shall increase the Light of Christ shining from your life.
See you on Sunday at God’s Altar,
The Rev’d Paul Lillie
Rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Honolulu
Blessing of Stewardship Pledges
Sunday, November 17
Pledge cards for 2020 will be distributed to the parish at the end of October, and on Sunday, November 17, the Feast of St. Mark’s Dedication, all financial commitments for 2020 will be blessed.
Online Giving
Fulfill your pledge, donate to outreach, support the music program, give for flowers, and more.
Stewardship & Giving
