In the second chapter of Acts of the Apostles, before we hear the good news that the Lord was “adding to their number day by day”, Peter preaches the first Christian sermon to a diverse crowd in Jerusalem, and he quotes the prophet Joel, who says this:
“This is what was spoken through the prophet Joel: ‘In the last days it will be, God declares, that I will pour out my Spirit upon all flesh, and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams. Even upon my slaves, both men and women, in those days I will pour out my Spirit, and they shall prophesy…’” –Acts 2:16-18
Our youth see visions, and our elders dream dreams. That tracks. Even our youngest members have ideas about what we should do, and who we are. And we aren’t making the world better for them to occupy in the future: our children are in the world right now, alongside us, and all of us are working for a better world — together. And our elders have so much to say, so much to feel, so much to think about, so much to do. I connect with several each week, while I contemplate my own slow, gradual movement into ‘elder’ status. And everyone in between — the young adults — well, they see visions and dream dreams. They challenge the older generations who can all too easily slip into cynicism; and they help raise the younger ones, guiding and teaching them.
All of our programs are intergenerational. And your stewardship powers them:
Liturgy and Music: All voices, raised in song
Faith Formation: study, learning, conversation, and fellowship for every generation
Neighborhood Action: St. Paul’s in the Neighborhood (SPiN) and Little Free Pantry (LFP)
Stewardship: Anti-racism efforts, Care for Creation, securing our mission base
Pastoral Care: visiting those who are sick, reaching out families and friends at the edge of our community
Parish Life: Coffee hours, receptions, outdoor activities, special events
Newcomers and Membership: welcoming and incorporating all newcomers
Buildings and Grounds: Work parties, gardening
Small Groups: Dinners for Eight, discernment groups, and plans for more
Click here to read Father Stephen’s stewardship letter in full.
Throughout our pledging season, Stewardship Talks are given on Sunday mornings. If you have missed any, you can view them below:
Powering Our Mission
Our Top-Sheet Numbers
Stewardship Goal for 2026: $613,000
Participation Goal: 130 Households or Individuals
Our need for the average pledge increase: 19%
