This Fall, we have been focusing on the first part of a particular passage from Colossians, Chapter 3:12-14, and reflecting on what it means to clothe our hearts with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, patience, and love.
As we enter into Stewardship Season, we will be focusing on the second part of this passage – verses 15-17 – and how they relate to our life together as a church. The author of Colossians adds a three-word sentence, almost as a throwaway, but it ties the whole passage together: “And be thankful.”
I want to join with all of you – and all of the saints who have come before us at Bedford Presbyterian Church – in saying that I am so thankful for our congregation and for what God has done, is doing, and will do in our midst and through us. Because you give and because of an incredible legacy of generosity at BPC, we are able to see and experience the blessings of the Body of Christ at work in our lives and the life of our community and world. Over the next five weeks, we will be highlighting and celebrating the many ways our generous God has blessed us and the many ways our generosity strengthens the Body ofChrist here in this place, and beyond:
- October 19 – “That We May Be One”
- October 26 – “Learning and Living the Way” – Reformation Sunday
- November 2 – “The Communion of the Saints” – All-Saints Sunday
- November 9 – “Giving Thanks to God for You”
- November 16 – “Giving Thanks to God” – Celebration Sunday
Throughout Stewardship Season, we will be offering regular testimonies and reminders about prayerfully considering what God will do through you and your giving. This is seen, in part, by 1) Making a commitment to take the next step along The Giving Path in an Estimate of Giving for 2026 (thinking of your giving to BPC as a percentage of your income and increasing that percentage over time); and 2) Supporting our Presbytery and denomination through an annual Per Capita gift (a once-annual per-member offering of $50).
Know how thankful I am to be your pastor and how thankful I am for the generosity of God that is seen and known through your generosity!
Grace and Peace,
The Reverend Dr. John H. Sawyer, Pastor
Bedford Presbyterian Church
Prepare for Worship
This Week: That We May Be One – And Be Thankful – Week 1
Read Colossians 3:15-17
Read Luke 18:1-8
Read or sing Hymn # 530 – “One Bread, One Body”