2 Tell the Israelites to take for me an offering; from all whose hearts prompt them to give you shall receive the offering for me. Exodus 25:2
Our Church Office Manager, Karen DeFrank, has been going through cabinets and boxes here at church, uncovering some awesome pictures and significant documents. At some point in the future, we will display the pictures so that you may view and identify people in the photos. Today however, I happened to come upon a copy of the June 1930 “St. Mark’s Messenger”. The first page had a “Pastoral Letter”. Now this could have come from either Pastor Shumaker or Pastor Angelo, since I do not know when one left in 1930 and the other started. But to the point – some things never change. Below is the letter in its entirety.
Dear Friends:
We are coming to the season of the year when the members of the Church are confronted with the temptation of neglecting the Church. The summer has so many things to allure them!
Your pastor hopes that each one of you will have the opportunity of enjoying a happy and refreshing vacation. But let us all remember that we can have a fine vacation and yet be true to our duties to our Lord. Our souls need nourishment in the summer as well as in the winter. So let us not neglect the services. When you are away, take an hour to attend the church where you are. A list of our churches at the seashore will be posted on the bulletin board.
Then, too, we ought to remember that the expenses at the Church here go on even while some are away. Please do not neglect to use your envelopes during the summer! If you do (neglect to use them) you will spoil the treasurer’s vacation, for he will have to spend the summer worrying about unpaid bills. We are depending on you to help. So fill those envelopes every week, and send them if you cannot bring them.
We wish you all a happy vacation. May it be a time of refreshing for both body and spirit.
PS – The Sunday School needs teachers.
Isn’t it amazing – even in the good ole days we needed to remind people to come to church – and to remain faithful to stewardship obligations! So much has changed – yet so much remains the same. I hope that you will enjoy your summer AND continue to participate in worship. When you can’t be physically present at St. Mark’s, you may wish to worship at a local church wherever you may be vacationing. Or, you can always tune in to St. Mark’s Facebook page for a live worship service at 10:30 each Sunday morning. Whichever way you choose to worship, I encourage you to remember to support your church’s ongoing financial commitments.
In Christ’s peace!
Pastor Jay