Blessed to be a Blessing! That’s what you are and that’s what you continue to show and live out each and every time you put your faith in motion living out our SoG purpose statement: “As Christ’s people in motion, we connect, grow and serve.” And SoG, you continue to live it out – for example with this grace-filled response for Kristen Hewett & her uncle.
The picture at right is from Tues, May 30, following the
Esther’s School End of the year Awards Ceremony (attended by 7 SoG folks to cheer on the students). Left to right: Lois McDevitt & Lou Vuozzo, Council Pres., gave the congregation’s special offering to Kristen & her uncle, Judd with Mr. Chad Maesse, Esther’s School Principal looking on.
The Hewett’s are trying desperately to keep the roof over their head. Even though Mr. Hewett is employed, some financial hits are overwhelming. About two weeks ago, Kristen, a 10thgrad er at Esther’s School (North Campus) asked if she could talk with me. (Kristen is the one who provided cookies for the congregation for fellowship the Sunday after all the student’s received their Angel Tree Christmas Gifts from SoG – it was her way of saying thank you at Christmas time.
She began to tell me of the very recent hardship that had come to her newly fractured family that included 4 years of undisclosed unpaid back taxes on their home where they have lived for 14 years. They have one month to pay the back taxes, (June 13 deadline) she said, and is there any way the church could help? Would it be okay if she put a container out on the table? “Of course,” I said, then went on to support her courage to ask for help.
Shortly the canister showed up on the table and that weekend in worship at North Campus worshippers heard about Kristen’s story and courageous reaching out for help. Spirit of Grace, you have responded so graciously by providing $534.00 and coins toward that $3,700 outstanding tax bill! Thanks be to God!
Picture at right: Lois’ hug with Kristen is also Spirit of Graces’ embrace of grace and generosity for the Hewett’s!
For those who have not yet had the opportunity & would like to provide a financial gift, Kristen’s container will be available at both South Campus sites June 4 & the family’s Go Fund Me link is posted on the SoG website.
Lou Vuozzo, Pr. Rita, Kristen, Lois McDevitt,
Judd & Chad Maesse – being Christ’s People in Motion!
See you in Worship,
Pr. Rita Gardner Tweed, Lead Pastor, Spirit of Grace
UPDATE on the Family
Judd was able to fully pay the back taxes on their home with the help of Spirit of Grace, St. Mary's Catholic Church, & Lutheran Church of the Resurrection. With the three churches combine they were also able to put food on their table, bring all the bills up-to-date, get hay for the horses and get their truck fixed (their only means of transportation).
We know we can't do this for everyone who is in need. But as the starfish story goes: as a little boy who saw a beach full of starfish started to throw them back into the ocean, a man came by and said to the boy, "Why are you bothering to do that, you can't possibly save everyone." The boy replied as he threw another starfish back into the ocean, "It matters to that one."
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