2022 Pledge to St. Mary's

The disciples must have been utterly amazed and absolutely confused. Just days previously their beloved teacher, Jesus, died on the cross. Then, rumors of his Resurrection, and now, He stood before them, Alive.

In the final moments of the Gospel of Matthew Jesus gives the great commandment, to go forth and make disciples and to teach them all that he had taught his own followers. In the final sentence of the gospel, Jesus gives still one more “commandment. ”He invites his followers to lean into the presence of God in Christ that will be with them through all the beauty and difficulty ahead. Jesus reminds them that no matter where they are, no matter what they are going through, He is with them.

This past year has been a time of anxiety and confusion. What we thought would be just a couple of weeks to “flatten the curve,” has turned into almost two years of restrictions, adaptations, and frustration. This past year has also been beautifully surprising as we discovered new ways to gather together in Christ’s name. At every moment, Jesus Christ, through the presence of the Holy Spirit, has been with us.

St. Mary’s is a place where the promise of Christ’s presence can be experienced. Whether it is in our worship, our fellowship, or our service, when we come together Christ is with us as well. While this is important all the time, it has been even more so during this strange time.

St. Mary’s is also more than simply a place to come to and be refreshed by God’s grace. It is a place to be sent from as beacons of that grace to the world.

While we come to St. Mary’s to remember Christ’s presence, we go forth from St. Mary’s to be Christ’s presence in the world.

At the heart of St. Mary’s is people like yourself, who give of themselves and their resources so that we may continue to receive the love of God and bear Christ into the world. Each year we ask you to prayerfully consider supporting God’s mission at St. Mary’s by making a meaningful financial pledge to the annual budget. I invite you to once again take that transformative leap of faith and commit to supporting God’s mission and ministry here at St. Mary’s.

Pledges may be brought to church or mailed using the card and envelope provided. You may also make your pledge online at smvsf.org/pledge. If you have any questions about making a pledge, please don’t hesitate to contact me.

Christ’s presence is with us sustaining and supporting us. Christ’s presence is also transforming us to be that very same presence in the world. Thank you for your partnership and support in God’s amazing work at St. Mary’s.

Grace and Peace,

The Rev. David Erickson, Rector