Look at how Jesus frames his call to these fishermen: "I will make you fish for people" (Mark 1:17). Jesus is telling them he can take who they are and what they do and use it for God's kingdom. It might sound like the disciples dropped their nets and left their fishing vocation completely; but throughout the gospel story we hear about Jesus and the disciples getting into boats. Who else but fishermen would have boats? How else did they continue to support their ministry and feed their families? Fishermen fish, but now the disciples do it for a higher purpose.

 

Rather than imagine that we are called to some life completely different from the one we live now, imagine that we are called to do what we do already in ways that show and enact God's kingdom. You're a fisherman, so fish for people. You're a singer, sing for people. You're a seamstress, sew for people. You're an engineer, engineer for people. You're an investor, invest for people. It's all about being who we are and doing what we do for a higher purpose.  A purpose God had in mind when you were wonderfully created.

 

The kingdom of God is about grace, compassion, justice, forgiveness, and mercy for all people. Through the grace of baptism, God has called us to follow Jesus in the way of the kingdom. How can you do what you do already, be who you are, in ways that help people know God and live life fully? Do what you do for God's sake, for your neighbor, for people.

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Giving Financial Support - One question we are likely to ask ourselves from time to time is “what does life mean or where is my place in all of it”.  At St. John we bring our personal experiences into a community that values all life.  In our search for meaning, we have come to understand that following Jesus can have an important impact in all that we do.

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Further, by being in community we begin to see how God works through each of us and enables us to give and receive love.  As we grow in our faith, we become able to share the peace of Christ with others.  This booklet demonstrates the various ways we work together as a Christian community to make a difference in the world.

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Before reading further please know that financial support is important to all that we do.  We know that God loves a cheerful giver.  And so, we pray that you will make a financial pledge of support that will bring you joy and encourage the mission of St. John.  No gift is too big or too small.

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Also, God has blessed us all with connections to people or resources that St. John may need or use to carry out our mission.  We have many members that use these connections, or in-kind giving, as an additional way to supplement their financial giving.  Access to a truck, maintaining the grounds, a relationship with an outside donor looking to fund mission are a few examples.   

Please review the pledge/gift options on the enclosed card, and pray asking, “Lord, what would you have me do?”  Your pledge of financial support builds the foundation of our ministry which enables us to become the workers in God’s mission for our faith community.

 

Peace,

The Moving Mission Forward Team