November 2024
From the Pastor
Twenty-one years ago, when I began serving as Vice President for Development at Newberry College, I attended a development conference to learn about my new job. I still remember what an eye-opening experience the conference was.
In one of the first lectures relating to fundraising, the speaker asked how quickly we could send a “thank you” note after a gift was received. As a pastor of a congregation, I had never really considered that question. I just thought that people gave to causes of faith because God motivated them. Providing a “thank you” note for their gifts was not something we had ever considered.
Years later, when I returned to congregational ministry, I remembered that experience. And, while we do not send thank you notes for all gifts in the congregations I have served, I have thought that providing “thank you” messages for things happening in congregations is certainly important.
This coming week, as we come to the fruition of our Consecration Sunday ministry, I really believe that “thank you attitude” is still important. Truly God has blessed St.Peter’s congregation. As we celebrated our 40th anniversary earlier this month, we recognized many of those gifts and we give thanks for them.
People have engaged in ministry here in many ways. The narrative budget we distributed on Sunday reflects how that ministry has developed. And, in a way, the budget itself delivers a gigantic THANK YOU to all who serve in this place. (Please take the time to read the budget before you fill out your “Estimate of Giving” card.)
None of our ministry could occur at St. Peter without your support. However, that support truly comes from God and the power of the Holy Spirit at work within us. To be sure, challenges come about in our life together. Yet, in spite of or even through these challenges, God has shaped us into people who care about doing God’s work in this community and in the world.
Finally, I want to thank each of you for your continuing interest in St. Peter’s. As frequent visitors to Murrells Inlet and Pawleys Island, our family has been aware of the work at St. Peter’s for a very long time. My prayer is that this ministry will continue to shape the lives of people in the communities we serve. Thank you for being welcoming and hospitable toward others. Truly we are living in a new phase of life and service together. We pray that God will continue to bless these efforts in faith as we pursue them together.
Peace in Christ,
Pastor Scott