In a world often consumed by the noise of daily life, it is essential to pause and reflect on the profound impact that God's work can have on individuals and communities. Through the testimonies of those who have experienced the transformative power of faith, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the "impact of God's work" and the ways in which it can change lives.

Dear Kindred in Christ at Good Shepherd,

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude for your participation in, and support of, our Building a Culture of Generosity (BCG) stewardship emphasis, and in particular, your response to our Intent Sunday with your participation in worship this past Intent Sunday, and your offerings of Intent to Give cards as a part of that worship. Your generosity is evidenced in the stories you have shared; not only the designated Mission Moments, Impact Stories, etc., but the spontaneous stories of generosity that some of you have shared with me as well. Again, thank you for your response and your generosity!

Please be aware that we will have a "second gleaning" this coming Sunday, November 3. There will be another opportunity to offer Intent to Give cards, similar to the one last Sunday, for anyone who might not have been present, or prepared to offer their Intent at that time. Additionally, if you aren't prepared to offer your Intent to Give at this time, but wish to later, you can do that as well. But it is helpful to receive as many Intents as possible earlier on.

This fall, we have been considering our financial stewardship. In the spring, we will consider stewardship of our gifts and abilities (and time) as part of our overall stewardship approach. I thank you for your ongoing commitment to take care of the things of God on behalf of the people of God!

Yours in Christ,
Pr. Bill+

Self Impact Stories

+   How was I changed: Your donations help provide for the needs of      those around us, whether it's feeding the hungry, sheltering the      homeless, or supporting families in crisis.

+   Enriching my life: Giving brings a deep sense of joy and      fulfillment. It connects us with our neighbors, fosters empathy, and      strengthens our faith.

+   Fulfilling our mission: Your generosity enables us to carry out our      mission of sharing the gospel, serving the community, and making      a positive impact on the world.

Impact on Others

+  While outcomes shed light on immediate results, the 'Impact' of     generosity often spills into realms we cannot immediately see.      Acts of kindness often have far-reaching implications, building       connections within families, neighborhoods, and communities at       large.

+  For instance, a church congregation rallying together to support        a family facing unexpected medical expenses not only helps the       family remain afloat during their crisis but also fosters a sense of       unity and collective purpose among the members. As individuals        observe the genuine compassion and support of their peers, they       are often moved to extend their generosity in other ways, be it       volunteering their time, offering a warm meal, or supporting others       in similar circumstances.

   By allowing these stories of impact to take center stage, we       invite others into a larger narrative of hope and support. Each of us    has witnessed the influence of a single act of kindness cascading       through lives it touches, often leading back to the origin of that       generosity.

Outcome Stories

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A Call to Action: Igniting a Journey of Generosity

In a world brimming with challenges, uncertainties, and the relentless pursuit of material wealth, the act of generosity remains a beacon of hope and community. At the heart of this transformative journey lies the belief that every individual has the potential to embrace a life marked by giving — a life woven into the very fabric of our collective faith and experience. We have the power to guide one another on this path, enriching our lives and those of others through the sharing of stories that illuminate the 'Outcomes' and 'Impact' of God's gifts.

Join us today in sharing our vision of generosity. Together, we can create a ripple effect of compassion and support that transforms lives and glorifies God.