Astounding Ourselves

You all constantly astound me, and I love it when I get to see you astound yourselves. That was the case this past week, when the church held its third annual rummage sale. After the first one, some felt it couldn’t be done again. Everyone’s homes had been thoroughly cleaned out—where would more donations come from? Yet here we are, on our third sale, and it grossed almost double what the first two did! As remarkable as this is, the rummage sale was much more than service to the community. The camaraderie of the volunteers was astounding, as well. I heard comments such as “a labor of love,” “work is not work when it is shared,” and “a thrift shop reunion for a good cause”! The rummage sale was hard work, but it was healing work, too.

So it is with so much that we do here at St. Bart’s. We come together to do astounding things—all for the glory of God. In the upcoming season, October/November, we turn our focus on Stewardship, which plays a vital part in shaping how 2026 will look at St. Bart’s. We have proven, over and over, that all of us are generous with our time, talent, and treasure. This fall, we really need everyone to put in a pledge—a promise—for funding in 2026. This will enable us to plan staffing and programs that will lead to another astounding year.

As a group of Jesus followers, we have so many hopes and dreams for our church—and we know that amazing things happen when we all come together. So please join me, and your congregation, and make a financial pledge for another year of great things to come at St. Bart’s. Starting this weekend, you will be provided with everything you need to make your promise. May we all astound ourselves as we strive to reach our giving goal and fund our church for another remarkable year.

Mother Nina+