Generosity Drive 2021

 

01 December 2021

Dear St. Andrew Presbyterian Church:

“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior.” 

These words of Mary remind me of you and how you and our congregation are living out the Gospel message. In many ways over this past year, your soul has magnified the Lord. Your spirit has buoyed my spirit – and that of many others. Thank you.

This letter is one of appreciation, and it’s a letter asking for your renewed commitment to supporting the mission and ministry of St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in 2022. 

Isn’t it mind-boggling to think that we are preparing to celebrate a second Christmas in the time of COVID-19? Last Christmas, I never would have expected us to be here again. But in spite of that, the work of our church has continued. And not just continued, it has thrived in joyful ways:

  • We returned to worship in the sanctuary in June 2021 – this after more than a year of online streaming services, made possible by our dedicated AV Team, Trustees and community advisors. Even today, we continue to offer hybrid services, in-person and online! 
  • We maintained mission partnerships, even when we could not be together – supporting impactful work both locally and internationally during these difficult times.
  • Our Children & Youth Ministry transitioned back to in-person learning and fellowship, full of energy and enthusiasm! This included an adapted summer Vacation Bible School series, new Sunday School curriculum and bi-monthly Youth Group gatherings. 
  • Thanks to our Finance Committee and Trustees Team, respectively, we refinanced our mortgage and maintained our facility well – carefully and thoughtfully stewarding our shared resources. 
  • We took care of each other as well – staying connected, empowering our Deacons ministry and helping one another in ways big and small. 
  • The Neighborhood Learning Center continued to live out its commitment to providing much-needed childcare services to local families, even in times of uncertainty. 
  • We celebrated the thoughtful ministry of Rev. Dr. David Milam as he retired from a lifetime of church leadership and service, and
  • Most recently, we’ve welcomed Rev. Beverly Friedlander to walk with us in this next phase of our ministry! 

You have made all of this possible through your generous giving to St. Andrew this year. Thank you very much for your support. 

As we approach Christmas and the New Year, I invite you, once again, to prayerfully consider how you wish to renew your commitment to St. Andrew’s mission and ministries in 2022. 

 2022 Commitment Card. You’ll find these cards in the church pewsand they have been mailed. I invite you to prayerfully complete this card to articulate your intended support in 2022. You can communicate your commitments to the church in one of three ways:

  • Return the card to the church by mail (711 W. Main St, Purcellville, VA 20132)
  • Place the card in the box in the church narthex (look for the Love is Generous image)
  • Email me your commitment information at clark.seipt@gmail.com. 

We kindly request that members do their best to communicate their commitments by Sunday, December 12th, which will be our Dedication Sunday. During the service that day, we’ll give thanks for all the various commitments that have been so generously pledged and so gratefully received. 

Thank you.  I am excited to see where the Lord leads us in this next year!

Wishing you and your family a wonder and peace-filled Christmas, 

Clark Seipt 

Elder & Discipleship Chair – St. Andrew Presbyterian Church

P.S. – Don’t forget! We are having in-person Christmas Eve services at 4:00 p.m. (Christmas Pageant) and 8:00 p.m. You can also join online. I look forward to seeing you there!!