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

October 20, 2023

The theme of Good Shepherd’s annual pledge campaign this year is Rooted in Abundance, and we are reminded that we are a mighty forest comprised of ancient trunks and fresh saplings, each of us contributing our gifts to a world that needs us. This fall, we invite you to watch and listen for messages of abundance in the world around you. Take note of how generosity spreads and widens our root structures of faith and action.

Our giving tradition at Good Shepherd has always been focused on how we share all of our gifts – not just our financial gifts. A church needs new ideas, creative people to lead, individuals who know how to solve complex problems, volunteers to keep our ministries focused on our neighbors. We often talk about this in a three-fold way: wealth, works, and wisdom. If any one of these areas is missing from our community, we are diminished.

In the forest, all the trees are connected via their root structures. They share information and resources with each other through those underground networks. In this year of being in leadership ministry with you, we have witnessed the ways in which you communicate with each other to get things done. Picnics, community events, pastoral care, it all happens so wonderfully because you are each deeply connected to each other through your roots of faith and service.

We thank you this year for the ways you have shared your gifts with us – your wealth, works, and your wisdom – and we invite you to consider how you may best contribute out of your abundance to Good Shepherd for 2024. This year, as you pray about your commitment to our church, please tap into that nourishing structure of faith and generosity shown to us by an extravagant God, a patient Shepherd, and a gathering Spirit who call us to extend our networks and share our gifts with the world.

When you are rooted in abundance, you realize that your giving can be as boundless as the Creation that gave birth to us all. Thank you for your generosity and your prayerful consideration of your pledge to Good Shepherd.

With abundant gratitude,

The Rev. Christine Mendoza, Rector

Kristen Worosz, Stewardship Chair

Christine DeGregory, Senior Warden

9350 Braddock Road, Burke, VA 22015 | good-shepherd.net | 703-323-5400