From the Rector
DISASTER RELIEF
The scenes of devastation left by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita and the earthquakes in Asia have touched all of us. All Saints Parish has responded through prayer at all of our worship services and through the generous outpouring of donations. The rebuilding efforts will take a long time. Please continue to be generous. Donations may be made to Episcopal Relief and Development by calling 1-800-334-7626, ext 5129 and online at www.er-d.org
STEWARDSHIP
When I first heard the word stewardship, I thought it was another word for fundraising. I have moved beyond that very limited understanding to see the wisdom of the words, "Stewardship is everything that I do after I say, 'I believe'." Stewardship is a way of life, a way of saying "Yes" to God in gratitude for the abundance of gifts that I have received. Stewardship includes the gift of my time and talent to love God and neighbor and build justice in the world. Stewardship is a recognition that my financial wealth and possessions are a gift from God and that I give not because of the church's need for my gift but from my need to express my gratitude for God's abundance. This year we are asked to calculate the percentage of our income that we give back to God and then to increase our gift by 1%. Most of us will not drastically lower our living standards if we give 1% more -- but that 1% speaks volumes about our willingness to grow in generosity. It is a tangible expression of giving thanks for the abundance all around us; it will change our attitude and our lives.
The theme of our stewardship effort this fall is "The Trinity of Our Lives." Each of us is loved by God and each of us is called to respond to that love by becoming partners in sharing the good news of God's love with a torn and divided world. I invite you to respond lovingly and generously with the gift of your time, talent, and treasure so that others might receive the mercy of God. As we enter this season of thanksgiving, I invite you to join me in making a stewardship commitment to support God's work at All Saints Parish in 2006. Please make your gift from a sense of God's abundance in your life. Many thanks to Marianne Evett and Dorothea Hass, co-chairs; Tom Nutt-Powell and all who contributed to the inspiring media presentation; Laura Vennard and all who worked on the Friends of the Groom visit; and the entire Stewardship Committee for their leadership and example.
SURROUND THE SPIRIT
On All Saints Sunday, November 6, we will conclude the observance of the 110th anniversary of the founding of our parish and give thanks for all who have made a commitment to the future of our parish by their generous donations and pledges to the Surround the Spirit campaign. It is not too late to make your pledge or gift to STS. Many thanks for the leadership of the co-chairs of STS, Tom Nutt-Powell, Peter Stringham, and Laura Vennard, and to all who gave generously in this wonderful effort.
WELCOME, MARY
Welcome to Mary Downes, new Office Manager of our parish. Mary is a graduate of American University and holds a M.T.S. from Boston University. She worked formerly for the Episcopal Diocese of Massachusetts and Episcopal City Mission. She will be in the office Monday-Thursday, 10 am to 6 pm.
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Gift Sunday Weekend is October 29-30, when we celebrate God's gifts to us and make our pledges of time, talent and financial resources to the parish for 2006. The ministries of this church are made possible by your participation. This year, the financial pledge goal is $275,000, or more than half the operating budget, to make possible the ministries we undertake here. Please use "The Trinity of Our Lives" brochure containing pledge cards -- one for your time and talent, one for your financial commitment. At the offertory on Gift Sunday, the children and adults of the parish are invited to process to the altar to make the offering of our personal gift. 
All Saints Celebration November 6