Dear Friends,

In October of 2010, the historic 1881 chapel at Virginia Theological Seminary burned down. Generations of faithful seminarians, faculty, and family had enveloped the space in layers of prayerfulness. Four years later, when Deacon Janice and I began our studies there, the loss remained palpable. Even as people came and went, the sense of place still mattered.

Over the past year, I have invited us to reflect on what it means to be the church in the world today. In Hebrews Chapter 11 we are called to be sojourners and aliens on this earth. But to focus only on that truth is to miss the equally important admonition in the final benediction from Hebrews Chapter 13. We are also called to be people of action, being rooted in particular places for particular times such as these.

For this stewardship initiative, I invite you to embrace this dual reality. Think about what God is doing in your life and reflect on two questions. First, how is God calling you to point beyond the frailties of our messy world? Second, how is God calling you to support the ministry and presence of St. Anne’s in this time and this place? With you, God is changing the world. With you, God is changing our society. With you, God is changing our surrounding community. And, with you God is changing our church and faith community. With you, God is showing the world His Kingdom--as it will be and as it is here and now, rooted in the love and dedication of generations who have come before.

As you consider the work God is doing through you in every facet of your life, I encourage you to prayerfully consider how God is calling you to support this physical place and community through your time, talent, and especially treasure. Through your financial support in stewardship, God continues to work through us to show forth the light of Christ in Damascus and beyond. Please join me in committing, through stewardship, to the ongoing vision and mission that God is working out among us.

Blessings dear friends,

Fr. Jon+