It’s Coming: God’s Work, Our Hands 2023
On Sunday, September 10, right after worship, St. Stephen’s will participate in God’s Work, Our Hands, the ELCA’s annual day of service. This celebration started 10 years ago to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the ELCA’s founding and it’s become a day for congregations to be visibly present in our neighborhoods, caring for the communities we share.
We are organizing small projects that we can do together that day in an hour or two, including projects that can be done sitting down with pen and paper (think thank you notes) for those who want to participate but need less intense physical activity. If the weather does not cooperate, we’ll have backup plans for indoor work. Everything will be family-friendly and accessible for kids and grown-ups. No special skills or tools required. When our work is done, we’ll gather for a simple lunch before heading our separate ways. Bright yellow t-shirts with the God’s Work, Our Hands logo are part of the day and ours have been ordered. As soon as they arrive, they’ll be available to pick up during Sunday worship. Plan to wear your yellow shirt to church on September 10 to be part of the fun!
Although GWOH started as a day of service to benefit our communities, it’s also a day of fellowship that strengthens congregations by giving us opportunities to get to know each other as we work side-by-side sowing seeds of kindness and compassion in our neighborhood. Even in a smaller congregation, there are probably people you don’t know as well as you might like to. And, because GWOH is something the ELCA does together, even as we are building relationships here at home, we will be part of something larger than ourselves as we join our sibling congregations across the country sharing signs of God’s love in their corners of the world.
Save the date: Sunday, September 10, right after worship. Come and be part of GWOH at St Stephen’s!
May God bless our neighborhood and the bonds that hold us together as we grow into our mission: To Love, To Invite, To serve.
Pastor Sue
