As we look to the future in faith, we must look to the past and to the witness of our faithful forefathers and mothers. They visibly demonstrated their faith by building the church and school we still worship and learn in today. It did not come easy. It took real sacrifice on their part, building a church amid the Great Depression. Yet build it they did! They built it in faith to the glory of God. They built it knowing that God would use St. Paul in a mighty way, in the preaching and teaching of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. They built it for their children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and indeed, for all those who would come under these roofs to be fed and taught.
We have been abundantly blessed in a variety of ways over the years! The blessings of faithful pastors, teachers, and servants of the church. The blessings of a growing church family. Even the blessings of great difficulty, like a fire and the challenging restructuring of our school. Now our blessings have put us at a crossroads in our life together. Let us continue to build on the foundation which has already been laid, the foundation of Jesus Christ. “For no one can lay a foundation other than that which is laid which is Jesus Christ” (1 Cor. 3:11). The improvements and expansion of our facilities that we need to continue to support the ministry of St. Paul’s, will be our generations’ contribution to this great and faithful heritage. We know this foundation will never fail us, so we move forward in faith to ensure that our children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and all those who come under these roofs are given the opportunity to be taught and fed. As in the past, it will not be easy. It will take the sacrifice of our time, talents, and treasures. However, build it we can and should.
The path we take in St. Paul’s Church and School Capital Campaign will be led by God’s Word and His will, bathed in prayer, and trusting his promises for us. I ask that you join me and prayerfully consider your sacrificial path and gifts for the next leg of our journey together. Let us all move forward together in faith in this great opportunity, to the Glory of God.