Recently Rev. John Hall reminded us that “no one is well off, until all are well off.” There are times when life can seem full of confusion or struggle, and the divide between hope and such trials seems like some insurmountable chasm. Whatever life may be ‘doing to us’, HOPE and the love and grace of God can enable us to press on. The trials that come to each of us do test our faith - not to bring us to collapse or failure, not to take the strength and love out of us – but to put the strength and love into us, and lead us to share hope and joy with others. Some of our neighbors – people we may encounter or pass by every day – face rigors, needs, temptations, disease, abuse, neglect or loneliness -- robbed of dignity, education, fellowship, living in poverty of health or spirit, often through no choice of their own. Their ability to endure may be buoyed by an experience of caring and renewed by the ASPIRATION for something better.
Whoever loves his brother lives in the light … 1 John 2:10The love of Christ – joined with ministries and services enabled by our gifts – has helped so many people across all walks of life. We give thanks for the generous support of our parish in contributing over $36,000 to Episcopal Charities in 2007. Through the Episcopal Charities Fund, 105 agencies will receive nearly $500,000 in grants in 2008; our annual goal of $40,117 represents St. Paul’s share in this work. Our goal has grown, so we need EVERYONE’s participation, increasing your pledge as you are able, and new pledges are especially welcome. God’s miracles and love will shine through our hands, our gifts, and our work. Together we can help Rhode Islanders cross the bridge to a better life.
We pray for our sisters and brothers in their situations of need, misfortune, poverty, despair, or loss. We ask the Lord to guide our hearts to a faithful, joyful, and generous response. Please pray for Charities and return the enclosed pledge card to the Church, by mail, or with your offering, on Speaker Sunday, March 2, or as soon as possible.
Please prayerfully consider your share in this work that you can carry -- in bringing a measure of peace, healing, and compassion to so many of our RI neighbors. Let us join with others across our diocese to help Christ in healing the gaps, hurts, and brokenness in hundreds of lives, and help be a BRIDGE between their aspirations and accomplishments. As Christians, lets us all do our part to provide a path to a better life and hope for our neighbors in need, that one day we may all REJOICE together.
“All that we send into the lives of others comes back into our own.” Edwin Markham
