Our 2026 Stewardship Program ‘Planting Seeds of Faith’ will commence on Sunday, October 5, 2025!
September 28, 2025
People of Hope,
Throughout much of our world, fall is seen as a time of harvest. It is a time to gather the fruits of our labor, recognizing that what we are receiving now comes after months of work in the preparation, planting, and caring for the produce of the land. So it is for the church; only a small aspect of the work of the church may be seen through worship, pastoral care, and outreach ministries, but the work that goes on throughout the year behind the scenes produces fruit that can only be experienced through patient nurturing. It is with this reality in mind that we invite you to walk with us in this season of stewardship as we explore Planting Seeds of Faith.
In the weeks ahead, we will be exploring how the labors of this community bear fruit in the world, and how each of us plays a role in the process of faith and growth that happens here at Esperanza. We are thankful for the many different opportunities we are given to participate in the life of Esperanza – through acts of service, intentional time in prayer and Bible study, worship, and through our financial giving. While all these things are essential for Esperanza to be Esperanza, the financial giving aspect of our stewardship is key to helping Esperanza continue to grow as the community of God at work here in Ahwatukee.
For that reason, we will focus on how your financial support of Esperanza helps this community continue to plant seeds of faith for generations ahead. Together, we will tell the story of Esperanza – her past, her present opportunities and challenges, and her future. First, we Prepare the Soil, reflecting on the how and why of Esperanza in this place, both in her founding and current reality. Next, we Plant the Seed where faith grows, exploring how God places us where we are and builds up our faith. We continue by Nurturing the Growth, tending to what God is already doing among us, from the youngest to the oldest members of our community. Finally, we will Celebrate the Harvest of what has been sown through our community as we offer our intent to God in response to God’s continual generosity toward us. This year, as we celebrate the faithful service of generations past, present, and future, we will offer our financial commitments for the year ahead on All Saints’ Sunday, November 2. We hope you will join us in celebrating our common call through baptism, and prayerfully discern how God is calling each of us to give to the work and ministry of Esperanza.
This year, we invite you to join us in partnership with God, Planting Seeds of Faith that will bear fruit for generations to come.
With Gratitude,
The Esperanza Stewardship Team
Intent Sunday is Sunday, November 2, 2025 (All Saints Sunday)
Speakers Include:
October 12 Craig Peck Preparing the Soil
October 19 Becky Klein Planting of the Seed
October 26 Lynn Hockenberger Nurturing the Growth
November 2 Pastor Chris Heller Celebrating the Harvest
We will also have Temple Talks during service by the congregation members and guests.
Offering your intent (aka pledging) will be available online and hard copy.
Your Intent (aka pledge) is for the Mission Plan only. Any donations to a designated fund do not count toward your Mission Plan Intent (pledge).