They shall be like a tree planted by water, sending out its roots by the stream. It shall not fear when heat comes, and its leaves shall stay green; in the year of drought it is not anxious, and it does not cease to bear fruit. - Jeremiah 17:8
You have heard the familiar expression “can’t see the forest for the trees” before. We most often use it to describe that occasion in which we lose sight of the big picture while focusing on the details. From my position, I often experience the blessing of being able to see the big picture of our congregation – the ministry we bring to our neighbors, the impact we have on our community, the ways that week after week we come together to celebrate our faith and praise God. This is the forest.
And I get to wander amongst the trees. From the small shoot reaching out from its seed and finding the sunlight, to the mightiest tree, standing tall, showing strength, offering sheltering love to those who need it. You are those trees, each drawing strength from our meal and showering the world with the love and grace you have come to know here. I am blessed in that here in our congregation, I can see both the forest and the trees!
When I walk through a forest, I am aware of the tangle of roots, how one tree is connected to another. Trees use these networks, secretly talking to each other through their roots, passing information along. Adult trees share their sugars with young saplings, a dying tree can send its remaining resources back out to help the community. These networks, these roots of abundance, keep trees in place just as much as they free them to grow and share.
The theme of our annual pledge campaign this year is Rooted in Abundance, and we are reminded that we are a mighty forest comprised of ancient trunks and sprightly saplings, each of us contributing our gifts to a world that needs us. As you hear the messages and stories of abundance this year, take note of how generosity spreads and widens our root structures of faith and action.
In gratitude,
Fr. C. Davies Reed, Rector
Ingathering Sunday
On Sunday, November 12th, 2023 we will have an Ingathering Celebration with a luncheon following the 10:00 am Holy Eucharist. St. Francis will provide fried chicken and drinks, and you bring your pledges and a dish or dessert to share. Together we will celebrate the abundance of God and of our community.
Yours faithfully and in peace,
Laura Noel, Senior Warden
John Lanie, Treasurer
The Rev. C. Davies Reed, Rector
There are multiple ways to pledge. Select the method of giving that is best for you!
Schedule an electronic bank transaction for automatic payment of your pledge. This is a no-cost way to make your pledge for both you and the church.
Make your pledge online. Realm, our online church community, offers easy ways to give financially to support our ministries. Whether you want to set up a recurring gift or make a single donation, Realm is a safe and secure way to give online. Download a help guide for pledging through Realm.
Fulfill your pledge by bringing or sending a check to 1525 Mulberry Street, Zionsville, IN 46077. Please make sure to contact the Church Office and fill out a pledge form so that we will be able to anticipate your giving throughout the year.
Matching Donations with Corporate Partners
St. Francis is set up to receive matching gifts from companies that offer use of the Benevity giving platform to their employees. If your employer makes supportive donations through Benevity or other programs please reach out your Human Resources Department to see if your pledge can be increased.
Join us through the next five weeks as we reflect and share what it means to be Rooted in Abundance together! Each week we will share a scripture passage and two questions for reflection. We invite you to share your thoughts and connections as we give thanks for all that God has given us.
Look for the weekly questions and reflections in our newsletter, on our Facebook page, and on the table in the Narthex.
