“Why do you attend Brown Memorial.” This question is often asked during group and committee meetings to help build relationships and common understanding among the members of Brown Memorial.
Another question rarely asked, but equally as important is, “Why do you give to Brown Memorial?”
That question is being posed this fall during Brown’s annual stewardship season, ahead of Giving Sunday on Nov. 19. Taylor Stewart, Stewardship Committee Chair, explains, “Giving, regardless of the amount, is the individual commitment to the collective work of our church.”
To launch stewardship season, Stewardship Committee member David Bielenberg presented a “Minute for Mission” on Sunday Oct. 29 to explain why he and husband Greg (pictured above) give to the church. Some of the examples he gave included:
“Because the rainbow flag above the front door and the “immigrants and refugees welcome” banner out front are true signs of what and how we live and preach and act as a community. All ARE truly welcome here.
And because we know that it’s not just about what we share and experience here, it’s also about the young people that are tutored each week, and the students at Eutaw-Marshburn that Michael and others mentor, and the work that Andrew and others do to support BUILD and other efforts in this city.
We give because we believe in this church’s mission to be ‘Alive in the City and the World.’ And we also give because we know that as members of this community – as stewards of this beautiful building, our talented and resourceful staff – we each need to do our part to ensure that we take care of what we have been given.”
Read David’ full remarks here.
On Sunday Nov. 5, Brown member Don McPherson and his wife Ann Teaff, who is not a member of Brown, spoke during the Minute for Misson. Ann said:
“While I am not a member of this congregation, I feel spiritually fed and nourished here in this stunning Gothic-revival sanctuary in which we gather, by Andrew’s challenging and inspiring sermons and the heartfelt prayers he offers during our worship, and the beautiful music of organ, choir, instrumental groups and individuals, and you in the pews who sing enthusiastically and with joyful hearts and who participate actively in the ministries of this church
The clergy, staff, and the members of this church truly live the mission of Brown Memorial to be a witness to the glory of God and to work actively in Baltimore and in the world to build relationships across race, class, and culture that directly impact lives.”
Read Ann and Don’s full remarks here.
Make your 2018 pledge here. For more information about giving to Brown, click here.