Hello October!

Dear HoC members and friends,
It’s stewardship season! It is also a season of gratitude! I’m grateful for all of
you, and for all of your support of our church through sharing your gifts, your
time, and your resources. Because of your generous support, we have
continued to be a faithful Christian presence, worshipping together, and
sharing God’s love with those in our community. Here are some personal
reflections of gratitude for you all.

• I am personally grateful that you gave me the gift of a sabbatical this year. It was
truly a life-changing experience of travel, rest, and renewal that will fuel my
ministry calling for years to come.
• I am grateful for the pastoral leadership of Mark Douyard and his wife Barb who
provided leadership and shared in fellowship with you all during my absence.
Their presence was a blessing, and they express their gratitude to you all for
welcoming them.
• I am grateful for our dedicated staff, Nancy, Leroy and Linnea, as well as all of
our lay leaders who serve on session, deacons, committees, commissions, and in
so many other ways. Your generous time and service make our church a nurturing
and hospitable place to gather and worship together.
• I am grateful for our beautiful historic sanctuary, grounds, and Education Building
that provide us with sacred spaces to worship, gather, and fellowship together. I
am also grateful for all those who work so hard to keep our building and grounds
safe and in good repair for everyone to enjoy.
• I am grateful for all the many ways you have continued to care for our members,
as well as minister to those in need in our community through your service at
Hope Dining Room, Elkton Community Kitchen, Warriors Helping Warriors, our
blessing boxes, and by providing donations of food, clothing and school supplies
throughout the year.
• I am grateful for our organist, choir members, and students from the University of
Delaware who glorify God through their musical gifts and enhance our worship with
glorious song.
• I am grateful for our teachers who share their time, knowledge, and dedication to nurture
our children and youth in their faith. You are making a tangible impact in the lives of our
young people that will stay with them into adulthood.
• I am grateful for our endowment which provides us with long-term financial stability. I
am grateful for those saints in the past who left a financial legacy for this church to
continue in ministry. I am also grateful for your regular continued financial giving that
empower us to do all that we’re called to do presently in our community to glorify God
and serve our neighbors.
• I am grateful for YOU! Each and every one of you make our church a special place to
be. Thanks for all the ways you show up, pitch in, and support one another. We couldn’t
do all that we do without you!
In light of all the blessings God has given us, we have the opportunity to make a commitment to
God through this church as an act of gratitude for all the blessings we have received throughout
the year.
During this stewardship season, we ask you to prayerfully consider making a pledge or estimate
of financial giving for the coming year as an act of gratitude.