Last month I wrote in this space of the dire financial news. As challenging as things seemed at the end of September, October brought even bleaker tidings. I will forego listing any particulars. You all have access to the seemingly unending coverage, to the degree that you desire to avail yourself.
This week Donald Smith, our financial secretary, brought the offering and attendance figures from Reformation Sunday, October 29th, to my office. He looked over my shoulder as I tallied the numbers for the month. At virtually the same moment we both said, almost under our breath, “wow.”
In the midst of an historically disastrous global financial meltdown, October attendance at St. John-St. Matthew-Emanuel exceeded last year by 12%. This is good news, but perhaps not so surprising—difficult times in the community often mean increased attendance for houses of worship. But the average weekly offering for October also increased, almost 10% over last year. To see such faithful stewardship at a moment like this is indeed cause for a “wow,” or, more appropriately, “Alleluia!”
On the following pages, we have good news abounding: confirmation Sunday and a special baptism; the Sunday School plans to support the ELCA Global Barnyard Project with a stoop sale and craft projects; news of our growing Capital Campaign; an announcement of the date of our 150th anniversary celebration; transitions and new beginnings at Prospect Hill Senior Services Center.
This community of faith is blessed in so many ways. It is truly inspiring to see how you continue to build on the legacy of nearly 150 years as the body of Christ in Park Slope.
Pr. Parsons
