A Message from Pastor Stephen

Dear friends,

Every choice to plant a seed is an act of faith. We can’t plant today and enjoy the fruit tomorrow. Growth takes time, sun, water, and care. Planting means trusting the future—even when we may not be the ones to enjoy the harvest. Yet without planting, there will never be fruit at all.

Life in a church community is like that. The worship, fellowship, learning, and service we share at Incarnation exist because others planted seeds of time, labor, and giving before us. Now we are called to sow generously in turn so new fruits may grow.

Jesus often used this image: there are three separate “seed” parables in Matthew 13 alone. And in his death and resurrection, he himself became a living parable of the seed: “Unless a grain falls into the earth and dies, it remains just a single grain. But if it dies, it bears much fruit.”

That’s the vision behind our 2026 pledge campaign: “Sowing the Seeds and Sharing the Fruit.” God’s blessings are made for sharing. In the fearful and divided times we live in, our church’s mission matters. We proclaim that life has meaning, creation is precious, every individual is priceless, and each of us is made for a purpose.

At Incarnation, lives are changed. I see it in our joy at gatherings like Armstrong Woods, Bill Glenn’s ordination, or our parish suppers. I hear it in the laughter of our children and the insights of Tuesday morning Bible study. I sense it when we gather at the altar, and when neighbors are welcomed at Sunday Open Table.

All this happens because of the gifts we give together. Our budget is based on the contributions of our members—seeds that sustain our common life. Will you join me in making a pledge to Incarnation for 2026? Giving is one of the most basic Christian spiritual practices. It transforms us, it deepens our capacity for gratitude—and it can even be fun. Some may be able to give 10% of their income this year, others 5% or 2%. Whatever the amount, our goal is for every member and friend of our parish to pledge a prayerful percentage of what God has placed in our care. Every pledge makes a difference.

I hope you’ll also join our Pledge Campaign Town Hall on September 28 and our Ingathering Celebration on November 10. May the seeds we sow together yield an abundant harvest for God’s world.

In Christ’s peace,

Stephen+