LET YOUR LIGHT SHINE

As you read this, Stewardship season is in full swing. You have all received our letter and a pledge card, and we urge you to send it back to us as soon as possible. Your generous financial support is more important than ever this year. Severe budget cuts in 2009 have left RPC with considerably less money for programs, upkeep and mission. Both our pastors turned down the 4% cost of living increase recommended by the Presbytery last year in order to ease the strain on our church's finances. We also received a one-time matching grant that added about $90,000 to our 2009 operating budget. But for 2010, we cannot expect the same. It is crucial for ALL our members to "step up to the plate" in order to ensure our ministry's success in the future!
Some of you have already sent in your pledges, and we are very grateful for your prompt response. However, we are waiting to hear from many more of you. Please remember that we will thank all pledgers by name in the December 13 Sunday bulletin.

Our theme this year is "Let Your Light Shine." This image reminds us of our midnight service on Christmas Eve.At the very end of the service, all the lights are turned off. The only points of light are the Advent candles, with the Christ candle in the middle. Everyone in the Sanctuary holds a little white candle. And then an amazing thing happens. One candle gets lit from the Christ candle. One candle lights five more, and those again light more. The light gets passed along from candle to candle, until finally, the entire Sanctuary is bathed in the most beautiful light. Anyone who has ever been there has felt the power of that moment. Just like one candle will not light that huge room, we only have limited power alone. But together - because we have been lit by God's love, filled with his spirit, and inspired by his generosity - we can light the world.
Please join us and let your light shine!

Kristin Jautz and Cindy Kuster
2010 Stewardship Co-Chairs