…”If you remain in me and my words remain in you, ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you. By this is my Father glorified, that you bear much fruit and become my disciples.” Last weekend we reflected on Jesus the Good Shepherd. This weekend we reflect on Jesus as the Vine – all of us finding abundant life if we remain connected to the Vine. The more we live in the life of Christ, the more we will bear much fruit for the good of the Lord. Listen to the promise of the Lord this weekend, if we remain in the Lord, ‘ask for whatever you want and it will be done for you.’
This weekend I depart from my normal letter format to “ask” you for your support for our Generations of Faith Capital Campaign. Nothing is more important for the life of this community than to take care of the House of God entrusted to our care. It is a holy place – it is the dwelling place of the Lord. It is where we all come – regularly, and in our time of need – to find the comfort, hope, strength, wisdom and peace of the Lord.
The needs for our Church are real. Repairing them, just like for your own house, is very expensive – almost $2 million. This creates the right – and best moment – for us to refresh and renew God’s house for generations to come. This effort will cost our community $4 million.
I am asking you – and all our members – to prayerfully consider a generous gift to the Lord and our community. The image of the vine and branches reminds us that it is going to take all of us giving a generous gift to God to make this happen for our community. Even more, listen again, and again, to the promise in this weekend’s Gospel. If you do this for the Lord – and we do this for the Lord – imagine the blessings that will come to your life – and our life – from the Lord.
After 18 months of reviewing and planning, I am convinced that this plan is good for our community. It will address our needs and refresh the house of God. Even more, I am confident that this effort will renew our community as each of us gives, shares, and works together for the glory of God.
Please read again and again the promise of God in today’s Gospel. I know you and all our members to be good, generous and deeply committed to the work of the Lord. Please read through the materials enclosed in this bulletin. I also know that God will find a way to bless every offering that you make. You will find blessings beyond words.
Our Church needs repaired and updated. Our parish sincerely needs your help. I am asking you, on behalf of our community, to make a generous and meaningful gift to the Lord. I am also asking you to respond this week. In order for us to move on this project this Fall, we need to know that we have raised the needed funds, otherwise, we will have to wait another year before we can begin.
Many thanks to our members who have already responded with great goodness and generosity. You would be stunned by our members making real sacrifices (like trips, cars, retirement or a daily cup of Starbucks). I am asking you to trust in the promise of the Gospel and make a generous gift to this appeal. Our Church will be rebuilt, our parish will be renewed and you will be blessed by our very good God.
If you have any questions or need additional information, please let me know (frbob@StAmbrose.us).
