Tell Out My Love: Stewardship 2026

And Mary said,
“My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior…”
Luke 1:46-47

Stewardship 2026 Letter from the Rector

Sunday, October 26th

(Click here for a copy of the letter)

Dear Family of God,

As humankind, we are story tellers. We have an ancient narrative, one that describes the beginning of time and the relationship between God and God’s Creation. We see this story grow through the prophetic tradition until our story recounts the life and gifts of the Son of God. But the story doesn’t end with the Resurrection just as it did not end with the Cross, it continues on in each of us today as we encounter and are transformed by the Good News.

Luke’s Gospel is bookended by the animated story-telling of two women named Mary. Early in the Gospel, Mary the mother of Jesus, tells us of her encounter with the Divine who informs her that she will bear a child who will change the world. She proclaims her joy: “Tell out my soul! The Greatness of the Lord!” At the end of the Gospel, another Mary, Mary Magdalene, visits the tomb to discover it empty and receives instructions from the Risen Christ to go tell the others. She carries this Good News with jubilance to the Disciples.

What is your Good News; the idea, dream, or challenge placed in your heart by God, that needs to be shared? What is the ministry to which you are called which will change lives because you have offered to share your talents, gifts, and love with your neighbors?

Our Stewardship Campaign this year focuses on these stories – the ones inside you, the ones you are still writing, the ones we share that are about those who have gone before us. We are all part of this ongoing narrative – the ongoing Creation.  As you pray about how you will share your gifts with us this year, think about how God is calling you to tell out your soul, to spread the Good News far and wide.

Listen carefully to the stories that members of our congregation will share weekly throughout the campaign. They relate the creative spark found in each one of us.  They tell of the many ways in which we are moved by the Holy Spirit to serve God and love our neighbor.

Tell out my soul! The Greatness of the Lord!

Blessings and peace,

The Rev. Dr. Nancy Hauser+

Stewardship Moments

Please take a moment to listen to the testimony from parishioners on why St. Paul’s is important to them:
Joel Robinson on Sunday, October 27, 2025 – click here to watch video
Layla Hansen on Sunday, November 2, 2025 – click here to watch video
Joyce Davis on Sunday, November 9, 2025 – click here to watch video
Kris Larsen on Sunday, November 16, 2025 – click here to watch video

Epistle – Wednesday, November 19, 2025

THANK YOU TO ALL THOSE WHO HAVE TURNED IN THEIR PLEDGE CARD!

So far, we have had 46 pledge cards turned in, which is a little more than 2/3 of the total pledges received the last 2 years. Please prayerfully consider your gift for next year. In order to have a balanced budget and not have to deal with a shortfall, we need to increase our revenue by 15%. Click here to view the proportional chart included with your pledge card for you to consider. Even a 1% increase in your pledge will help us balance the budget. Remember, your pledge money is our only source of revenue. We do not receive money from the National Church. Your pledge may be increased or decreased anytime by calling the office and letting Jennifer know. Thank you again for your support of our programing.

Please click here to make your pledge online.

Blessings and peace,
Nancy+

Epistle – Wednesday, November 12, 2025

InGathering Sunday

St. Paul’s is at a crossroads right now. We are on an impressive upward curve, and we need to keep that energy moving forward. To do that, we need your participation, your talents and your financial support.

In the Holy Cow Survey, the statisticians took the information you gave them and came up with these statistics. The average yearly pledge at St. Paul’s is $2,871. Based on an average household income of $130,000, the average pledge is 2.21%. Forget the idea of tithing. It’s a nice concept, but unrealistic today. You give to the Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, school fundraisers, the Houston Zoo, Wildlife Associations and so much more. But just imagine if you could give 3% or even 3.5%? Do you realize the difference that would make? If you are giving more than 3%, thank you so much! Hallelujah! If we can bring that average up to 3%, it will put us in a much better position for 2026 and the new rector.

Please reflect on the many blessings you have received. Prayerfully consider how God is calling you to use those blessings: your time, talents and treasure. This past week St. Paul’s donated a check for $1,000 to Katy Food Ministries ~ all because of your generosity. Help us to continue that kind of support for our neighbors in need. This Sunday is “In Gathering Sunday,” a thanksgiving celebration of the many blessings in our lives. We will offer our pledges of financial support for the continued ministry of St. Paul’s Church. Pledge cards that have already been turned into the office will be placed in a basket, in sealed envelopes with each person’s name on it. Ushers will bring the basket of cards forward to be celebrated and blessed at the altar.

“All things come from Thee O Lord, and of our own, we have given you!” Thanks be to God!

Blessings and peace be with you! Nancy+

Epistle – Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Looking ahead to our Stewardship Campaign and Pledge Drive

This year we have a Stewardship Committee comprised of Vestry members who are planning and preparing our annual campaign. The theme is borrowed from the hymn, “Tell Out My Soul.” One of the most important parts of our faith is sharing stories ~ stories about you and how God is working in your life. For the four weeks of our Stewardship Campaign, we will have a different speaker each week to talk about how St. Paul’s has made a difference in their lives. If you are unable to make it to church on a particular week, these Stewardship Moments will be posted on-line (if all goes according to plan ~ but we know about those glitches). Joel Robinson shared the first one on Sunday. It was terrific.

On Sunday, November 16th, we will have our Ingathering of Pledge Cards. We are hoping to have as many as possible so the Vestry can begin working on the budget.

And finally, on Sunday, December 14th we will gather for the Christmas Celebration Dinner – a time to celebrate all the wonderful ways God continues to bless us, especially in the birth of Jesus.

We are living in divisive, chaotic times. Probably one of the most important things we can do right now is to show support for our faith community. This is where we draw our strength each week to go out into the world and do the work God has given us to do. Please, prayerfully consider your contribution to St. Paul’s.

Blessings and peace be with you! Nancy+

Support from the members and friends of St. Paul’s Episcopal are the primary means by which the operation and work of the church is funded.

If you would like to submit your pledge electronically, please click here to fill out the Form or please click here to email the office. Please include name/contact information and total annual pledge amount. Your pledge will help St. Paul’s plan responsibly for the upcoming year. Financial information is kept strictly confidential.