…let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven.
— Matt. 5:14-16 (NRSV)
At a time when things feel ever more anxious and divided, Jesus’s words to his first followers ring as true as ever: “You are the light of the world…”
It is no gentle metaphor, but a summons to the church to be a trustworthy guide in a world filled with the darkness of confusion and conflict. And you know as well as I do that, now, more than ever, the larger world needs the church to be at its best – to be a healthy and vibrant reflection of the Kingdom of God on earth.
This call to mission is one we take very seriously at Canvas and it’s why we have invested ourselves so intentionally in embodying the gospel in very tangible ways. From worship centered on the study of scripture, to Mike Regele’s Primer on Christian Nationalism, to leading our presbytery’s presence at OC Pride, to our training this week in active, Christian witness, we are working to be a beacon of light in a darkening world and to equip you for your personal witness to those outside the church and to those inside as well (for we know that there are many inside the church who have been caught up in some very distorted versions of the gospel!).
This is why it is critical for Canvas to be as healthy as possible as we move into the future. For the road ahead is probably not an easy one. Conflict and confusion do not seem to be waning in our culture. And thus, the need for sound, rooted, loving congregations will only grow.
And so as we move into our annual stewardship season, the two images I’d like us to focus on are: light and health. How do we best shine brightly in our world, and how do we ensure that our Canvas ministry remains strong and vital? And one key answer to that latter question is: we have healthy finances. (Which, thankfully, we do, because of your faithful giving!)
As we heard from our treasurer this past Sunday, Canvas is in good financial shape overall. Many of you have given above and beyond and we are feeling the effects! Thank you!!!! And now we want to ensure that we carry this wellness into 2026.
So this is the part where, on behalf of the session, I ask you to think about the light that Canvas is in your life and in the larger world and make your financial pledge for the 2026 budget. You know that Canvas is a small church and entirely dependent on the giving our congregation. And that means everyone needs to play a role. Some roles are large, some less so. But every gift matters! And our session uses your pledges to set the budget for the year.
So would you please take some time between now and November 9th to think and pray about what you are able to contribute to Canvas to ensure our light is strong and our community healthy? And when you are ready, it is a tremendous help if you will let us know by filling out a pledge card.
If you have questions about any of this – about Canvas’s finances, about the theology of giving or about some of the goals you are setting for your own health and witness for the year ahead, please do not hesitate to contact, me, our treasurer, John Bowers, or Debbie. We are all here to help.
Thank you, again, for your generosity and for the attention I know you will give to stewardship for the year ahead. It remains my great joy and privilege to be your pastor!
With love,
Pastor Kirk
