Message from President Leslie
The Soul Matters theme for the month is “Paying Attention.” We will consider this in worship, religious exploration, and through other gatherings. Epictetus, a Greek Stoic philosopher, said, “You become what you give your attention to. If you yourself don’t choose what thoughts and images you expose yourself to, someone else will.”
A key responsibility of the Board of Trustees is to pay attention to the wellbeing of All Souls Church. Our Bylaws describe this responsibility of governance as managing and directing the affairs of the church between annual meetings. We act on behalf of the congregation and pay attention to ministry, budget, safety, facility, and the many activities of the congregation. We are very conscious that we act on behalf of the congregation. We recognize that our members (and friends) are the life blood of the congregation. The attention that each person pays to church activities strengthens us all. None of us can pay attention to everything, but collectively our attention – our efforts and contributions – create a healthy and vibrant All Souls community.
As I write this I know that some members are preparing a community meal. Others may be laying carpet tiles in the balcony or writing articles to share church news through the West Village Voice. This week Rev. Telos and worship leaders prepared the many details for Sunday worship, artists exhibited their work and held a reception, crafters created items for the Spring Fair, the choir rehearsed new music, folks prepared for a book discussion, knit-ins were held to create red hats of resistance, Stewardship packets were collated, RE leaders planned and conducted program activities for our children, Caring Circle members made home visits, the Board held its monthly meeting… This is just a glance at one week of our calendar. Numerous meetings and other activities have occurred throughout the month including many individual efforts that aren’t reflected on the calendar. Communication between members, minister, and office (and coffee) flowed! Each person is paying attention to their sphere of interest and these collective efforts enrich us all. This is shared ministry.
The deadline for this newsletter has come prior to our Congregational Meeting to adopt revised Bylaws. The Bylaws Task Force and Board appreciated the careful review by members and many suggestions were incorporated into the document presented at our special meeting. Thank you all for paying attention to these Bylaws which provide a foundation for our operations.
During March we ask our members and friends to pay attention to stewardship of the church. Put simply, stewardship means taking care of the church. This is done through our many contributions of time, talent and treasure. During the Stewardship Campaign we ask you to consider your financial support of our church, and make a meaningful pledge or gift which is within your means, to further the mission of All Souls. The Stewardship Campaign is essential to our operations and is conducted prior to budget development. This provides the Finance Committee with clear information about the level of funding congregants can provide towards our operational budget. Please be thoughtful and as generous as you can be when you make your stewardship commitment.
May we grow together in faith, Leslie