September 30, 2024

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Dear Resurrection Family,
 

God's grace and peace to you! Here at the Episcopal Church of the Resurrection we receive God's grace in Jesus Christ in Word and Sacrament and share that grace with one another and the world in many ways. God has richly blessed us this past year with over 40 people confirmed or received, growth in outreach ministries, another stellar year for the Resurrection Players (there are over 100 students involved this fall!), significant property improvements, an increase of roles in the Diocese of Central Florida, and in many other ways praise God!

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By God's grace we have made great progress financially over the past three years, including balancing our budget while simultaneously making significant progress on retiring our mortgage with the Diocese of Central Florida. As all of us fulfill our pledges for this year we are on track to finish "in the black" again in 2024 way to go! While we have made great strides addressing deferred maintenance of our beautiful property and facilities, as we move ahead in 2025 we will need to increase our property maintenance line item, as well as help purchase a new sound system for Grace Hall to enhance our flourishing Resurrection Players ministry (additional fundraising efforts for this sound system are being planned). Therefore, I am asking you please to join me in increasing your pledge by 10%, which will enable us to cover these expenses.

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God could not be any more generous in his love. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life" (John 3:16). Jesus taught us how to respond to God's generosity "Freely you have received; freely give" (Matthew 10:8). In scripture we are also exhorted to respond individually and cheerfully:

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"Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" (2 Corinthians 9:7).

 

Moreover, since Jesus taught us to give "in secret" (Matthew 6:2-4), at ECR your pledge amount will only be known to God, yourself, and our amazing financial administrator, Jill Chester: A 2025 pledge card is enclosed. We humbly ask that pledges be submitted by Friday, November 8. You can submit your pledge in person, mail it. pledge via our website (resurrectionlongwood.org), or email your pledge amount directly to Jill Chester (jchester@resurrectionlongwood.org ). THANK YOU for your financial support of ECR your generosity is a tremendous blessing for all of us.

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It remains a joy and privilege to worship and serve with you. As always, lots of love and prayers for you!

Grace upon Grace,

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The Very Rev. Dr. Dave Johnson

Grace upon Grace,


The Rec Dr. Dave Johnson, Rector