Responding with Gratitude

Pastor Christina Greenawalt

Co-chair, Synod Inspire Committee

Vice-Moderator Elect

Synod of South Atlantic

This November, as we approach Thanksgiving, our thoughts naturally turn to gratitude. It is a time for counting our blessings—the warmth of family, the comfort of home, and the richness of our shared life, the community, our churches and the synod.

This year, let us consider what it means to be grateful not just for what we have, but for the very abundance of God that makes all our blessings possible. Let us also be mindful of those who truly live in scarcity and how we can continue to look for ways to bless those around us through the mission and ministry of the Synod of South Atlantic.

We continue to make a difference by Embodying the grace and love of Jesus Christ, Cultivating authentic community within and across our presbyteries, and Inspiring impactful ministry.

The world around us often operates from a place of scarcity. We are told there is never enough—never enough time, never enough money, never enough resources to meet every need. This mindset can creep into our spiritual lives, tempting us to see our giving as a burdensome obligation rather than a joyous privilege.

Yet, our faith tells a different story. It tells us that our God is a God of wild, shocking, and unfailing generosity. God's grace is free and unmerited and that our call is to respond with gratitude that overflows with generosity. This is the central truth of stewardship: not that we are giving from a place of lack, but that we are giving back from God's own overflowing gift.

In the book of Exodus, we see God’s generosity on full display, providing manna for the Israelites in the desert. There was always enough for that day, and the people learned to trust in God's daily provision. Jesus echoes this theme, inviting us to move from a narrow focus on self-interest and fear into the spaciousness of gratitude and community. When we shift our perspective, we begin to see that everything is God's—our time, our talents, and our treasures. We are not the owners, but the faithful stewards of what has been entrusted to our care.

When you give of your time, talent, and treasure to your church, presbytery or synod, you are not just helping them "make the budget." You are participating in God's ongoing work of love and reconciliation in our community and beyond.

Your giving is a foundational rock that supports every aspect of our shared ministry. Each person has a part to play in carrying out Christ’s mission.

• Your financial commitment keeps the doors open, the programs running, and the staff supported. It allows us to continue our outreach missions and plan for our shared future with confidence. Your financial commitments help to share the good news of Christ’s love beyond the walls of the sanctuary as we step out in faith and hope to serve, witness and love our communities.

  If you feel called to make a financial gift to the synod we have a number of ways that you can give, to a designated fund or to the operations budget. You can give online through: https://secure.myvanco.com/L-ZJSN/home.

  
  

• Your time and talents are equally vital. Whether you are teaching Faith Enrichment Classes, a Bible Study, serving on a committee, serving as a deacon or elder, making prayer shawls, collecting food, help give aid to our community, teaching at the preschool, or visiting a homebound member, you are using the gifts God has given you to build up Christ's body – you are making a difference.

  
  

• Your testimony—your personal story of how God is at work in your life and in our church—builds up our community and inspires others to join in. We invite you to share stories of how you have seen the synod, presbyteries and your church make a difference with friends, family, on social media or contribute your stories to the newsletter. Your stories impact others more than you could ever imagine. Stories capture our attention and effect change.

As a reminder, generosity is a learned practice. The more we give, the more we learn the joy of cheerful giving, and the more we grow into the likeness of Christ.

Thank you for your generous spirit, for your unwavering faith, and for being an essential part of our beloved church family.

In love and gratitude,

Pastor Christina Greenawalt

Co-chair, Synod Inspire Committee

Vice-Moderator Elect

Synod of South Atlantic