October Reflective Note

Fall is a very busy season in the Valley and at Trinity. As the church grounds begin to reflect the splendor of the season, the Session is excited for the "placemaking" work ahead! Look for more detailed information on that soon. This month's reflective note comes from the Stewardship Committee of the Finance team. Happy fall!

Trinity Presbyterian Church’s core belief statement, “What Is God Saying to Trinity,” calls us to commit to a life in Christ: “We believe that the church is more than an institution; it is the household of God. As members of this household, we are a priesthood of believers - called, gifted, and enabled by the Holy Spirit to make Christ’s presence known.”  Hence, our stewardship belongs to all seasons. We are called year-round to be engaged, not just financially, but also as pilgrims walking a road of personal growth, community building, outreach, and worship.  All aspects of our lives, including time, talents, financial resources and spirituality, need stewarding, and how we foster and use these gifts at home and in the world shows our commitment to God and to each other.  

Stewardship runs the gamut from contributions of money to self-care—writers of checks, stewards of our own health—and in between those two occurs most of the life of the church. Across that range, needs have changed and grown. Times are trying.  While we have faithfully done our part to sustain the back-pack program, in Harrisonburg this year there are more hungry children and food costs higher.  Eight thousand three hundred miles away there are children whose welfare depends on us. That’s two examples only. All of us are facing inflation, and some of us will confront enormous surges in health insurance costs.  We have a special responsibility to remember care for those who care for us as we write a budget for 2026. How do we face the challenges?  How do we change them into opportunities to thrive as servants of Christ’s message?  This is the topic we will address between now and Dedication Sunday.

Mid-October – third-quarter giving statements will be emailed or placed in your church mail box.

Sunday, Oct. 26 – Stewardship packets will be available at worship.

Sunday, Nov. 9  - We will dedicate our pledges and Time and Talent forms during worship. Bring your packet.

The finance team members—Jeannie, John, Linda, Mark, Nancy, Rick, and Stephanie—are deeply grateful for how much your generosity makes our work easier.

(If you need them, there are pledge and Time and Talent forms online at Trinity’s website.  You may print them and bring them on November 9 or return to church office.)