Our stewardship theme this year at St. Peter by-the-Lake is “Return, Renew,
Restore”. As we think about what each of these words mean spiritually and how fitting
they are for St. Peter as we have come out of this pandemic and have been able to place it
in our rear-view mirror, finally being able to worship together and drink from the common cup,
I have picked a couple of verses to give us something to think about.

Job 22:23 – “If you return to the Almighty you will be restored…”
Being able to return to worship that began outside only, to now inside without any
restrictions is just an amazing feeling and speaks volumes to the commitment of our
parishioners.

Ephesians 4:23 – “and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds”
What a blessing it is to be able to be in the Lord’s house each week and renew our souls,
and to renew our friendships with our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Psalm 51:12 – “Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit, to
sustain me”
Physically coming together and restoring our hearts and minds while celebrating the Holy
Eucharist as one family is truly a gift.

     It was predicted that one in five churches would face permanent closure within 18
months due to Covid-19, even as our state and local governments began to relax
restrictions most churches were not seeing the same numbers returning to worship, which
in turn, meant that the tithing had not returned either. Our parish has faced many
challenges over the past couple of years and I am extremely grateful that our parishioners
have been able to continue pledging and meeting pledged amounts during those difficult
times.

     While stewardship campaigns mostly focus on treasury, as this is a vital part of us
being able to fulfill the needs of our parish and of our community. We also know that we
would not be able to fulfill these needs without your giving of your time and talents as
well. Your generosity and willingness to always step up does not go unnoticed.

     As St. Peter rolls into year 50, I ask you to reflect on the time each of you have
spent here and remember how we have come this far. I ask that you prayerfully consider
filling out a pledge card in order to help us stay on budget and I also ask that you
prayerfully consider filling out your talent sheet and possibly choosing to serve in a way
that you have not served before…as we Return, Renew and Restore our Christian lives
together over the coming year.

May the peace of our Lord be with you always,
Beckye Smith
Sr. Warden