We come to the end of our Month of Abundance ready to indulge the Thanksgiving feast. Nothing in America highlights the great abundance that fills our lives like Thanksgiving. If you ever doubt the magnitude of the Lord’s blessing do the math:

272 million
The number of turkeys raised in the U.S. in 2007.

690 million pounds
U.S. cranberry production in 2007.

1.6 billion pounds
The total weight of sweet potatoes produced in the U.S.

2.1 billion bushels
The total volume of wheat produced in the U.S.

And that is just Thanksgiving.

On the last Sunday of October we called parishioners to return Commitment Cards to renew their membership in the parish. 186 families have returned Commitment Cards so far. We estimate another 70 to 80 families who submitted a Commitment Card last year will get their cards in soon.

If you ever doubt the magnitude of the Lord’s blessing of St. David’s Church, do the math:

$714,586
The total financial pledges received to date. Last year at this time our total was $554,717.

29%
The percent increase in pledge at this time over last year.

102
The number of parish families who increased their pledge over last year.

10
The number of Commitment Cards received from youth and children.

$3,839
The average financial pledge of a parish family so far for 2008, the average financial pledge of a parish family for 2007 was $3,465.

We are still waiting for outstanding Commitment Cards. Vestry members will be making phone calls to get the rest in. When they have the final number, they will be able to determine our capacity for ministry in 2008.

We are experiencing tremendous momentum in ministry this year. Our capacity for ministry is growing as our parishioners continue to embrace responsibility for ministry.

I give thinks for the faithfulness of our parish families, our Vestry and our Staff. The Lord of Abundance is truly present in this place.