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"Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"
—Matthew 6:26-- Dear Siblings in Christ,
Earlier this summer, a parishioner spotted a Great Egret in her driveway—an unexpected sight so far from its natural habitat! While the beautiful white bird initially looked a bit confused, it eventually made a graceful exit to more familiar territory. In our Christian tradition, egrets and herons have been associated with the wisdom of the Holy Spirit—calmness and equanimity amid God’s everchanging creation. As our world changed over the past eighteen months, we, too, were unsettled by shifting landscapes, like an egret in a suburban driveway. We found ourselves in unfamiliar places—worshipping at Drive-in and Outdoor Church, holding meetings and classes via Zoom, and continuing our outreach programs in the midst of a construction zone. By trusting in God’s promise of support and provision, we adapted to our new surroundings, finding beauty and joy along the way. A gathering of egrets is called—believe it or not—a congregation! The egret in the driveway wasn’t just looking for wetlands; it was looking for other egrets. It was looking for connection…for home. Like the egret, we understand that every single person connected to St. Andrew’s contributes to, and is supported by, the power found in our spiritual home. As we endeavor to build God’s kingdom here on Earth, proclaiming there truly is a place for everyone, we ask you to join us in mind, body, and spirit. We invite you to keep this Spirit-inspired egret in mind as you consider St. Andrew’s shared ministries and prayerfully discern ways you and your household might contribute to their growth by stretching your gifts of finances and time. With love from your Stewardship Committee |
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