13 September 2022
I want to thank everyone who participated in last Sunday's potluck that was organized by the Evangelism and Discipleship ministry. As is always the case at St. Mark's, the food was delicious, and it was wonderful to casually visit with so many. I also want to thank our Evangelism and Discipleship team for their hard work in the background.
At the potluck we viewed Jesse Wilson's stewardship talk. In the video Jesse speaks about how his faith informs his personal giving to others and the church. The link to the video is below, and I hope you will listen to his message.
On Sunday, September 25, our treasurer, Michael Ida, will offer a presentation on the church's finances and stewardship statistics. Dr. Ida's talks are always incredibly informative due to his use of charts, graphics, and other pedagogical tools. In his daily life he is a teacher of calculus and computer science at Kalani High School. If you want to know more about the finances of St. Mark's, this is your opportunity.
This Sunday we hear the Gospel about the dishonest manager (Luke 16:1-13). It is a Gospel reading that makes us scratch our heads in confusion upon first reading. If I had been more organized I would have scheduled a guest preacher! Saint Luke's words about Jesus continue to give us much to think about in regard to money, possessions, and wealth. As I write this column on Tuesday, I have not yet begun my sermon for Sunday. Nevertheless, we continue to learn that God's economy and the world's economy are very different.
Finally, I want to thank everyone who has donated to Give Aloha at Foodland on behalf of St. Mark's. According to a recent update that we downloaded from the church's Foodland account, several of you have given the maximum amount of $249. Please know that every donation, no matter how large or small, counts and is greatly appreciated. Wouldn't it be wonderful if every parishioner donated some amount? Remember that you may donate via the Foodland website. Just be sure to indicate St. Mark's Episcopal Church and our code (77875) within the online checkout notes. I do not enjoy shopping, so giving online was appreciated. They even sent me a thank you text with my receipt!
Blessings,
Father Paul Lillie +
Rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Honolulu
