Dear friends,
Each year, as autumn arrives and winter approaches, we naturally begin to think about keeping warm and ensuring our homes are equipped to keep us comfortable and safe. It is also a time when families come together during the holiday season to renew connections and refresh their spirit. Home is an oasis of peace, security and hope. Edwards Church is also an oasis for people who share common beliefs and hopes, and seek encouragement and support in a sometimes hectic and challenging world.
When we picture an oasis, we think of a place of cool water and shade from the scorching desert sun, a shelter from the storm, a welcoming place to rest and recover from a grueling journey, a place of sanctuary for the weary traveler. It could also be any special place that offers respite from a difficult day or a hard life journey.
For many years Edwards Church has been that special place for the Edwards family, as well as for new start-up churches, AA meetings, Bible Study groups, veterans programs, LGBTQ support, yoga classes, meditation and support groups, charitable organizations supported by Wider Mission and much more. Open Spirit: A Place of Hope, Health and Harmony and its partner organizations are truly an oasis for the soul, offering programs of comfort and revival to anyone in the community. The trees in the Open Spirit logo and in Edwards Hall are symbolic of that oasis.
We continue to expand the vision of an Oasis of Hope in new ways:
- A variety of gardens have sprung up and beautified the Edwards campus, including the Veterans Garden and Edible Forest Permaculture Garden at Edwards Hall and the Framingham Community Farm and Pollinator Garden at Jonathan House;
- Soon, the newly renovated Parsonage will provide safe permanent housing for a Syrian refugee family, whose long hope for a safe place to raise a family will be realized;
- We continue to expand our vision of worship through Seeds of Grace creative worship services, in order to reach out to the widest possible community;
- We are exploring innovative and meaningful ways for our children and youth to grow in faith.
The support you give to Edwards Church is instrumental in keeping the vision alive and expanding. With a pledge of financial support, you will be helping to bring refuge, relief and renewal to those who seek an Oasis of Hope at Edwards.
We have created some materials to help you make your decision. You can print and fill out this pledge card or pick up a hard copy at church. If you would like to receive a hard copy of these materials by mail, please email Nicola. If you would like information about electronic giving, stock transfer, or including Edwards Church in your will, please email Patti Arnheim.
With gratitude,
Scott Cleveland, Joann Sewell, Amy Hendrick, Sandy Thompson, Nicola Seaholm and Debbie Clark—Your Stewardship Team
2018 Stewardship Booklet