Pastoral note, from Garrett

I am excited to announce that, thus far, we have pledged $558,330.08 to the Planted Together Capital Campaign. We have 69 pledges to the campaign. We have surpassed our goal! Thank you for your generosity! We pledged over $100,000 at the Thanksgiving “Dinner.”

The highlight of the Planted Together Campaign, for me, has been the testimonies. 

Brad Dutton kicked us off on November 2 with a story about his daughter Kate. When she moved to Orlando this summer for her first job after college, Brad planned a surprise for her. He had people from the choir and other church members write letters to Kate. He sent her the collected letters after she had been away from home for 6 weeks. When she read the letters, she got a little teary and said, “This! This is why I want to raise my kids in church.” 

On November 9, Cameron Vickrey shared advice she gleaned from her Grandma on living generously. And she said this, “This church has become our home. I was 28 years old when we came here. Woodland has raised us into who we are. Planted Together is a chance to make sure families who come after us will also be raised in the love and safety of this sacred place.”

On Sunday, Erica Hanchey, Grayson Hanchey, and Emerson Wilke talked about how they view the importance of being planted together at Woodland. Erica mentioned the promises we make to our children at family dedications, that we will “keep them within the precincts of the Temple… and teach them the story of Jesus.” Grayson discussed how people have invested in him over his 16 years at Woodland and how he feels compelled to give back, so that others can share the experience of being known and loved. 

And 9-year-old Emerson testified that this church has been a second home for her, where she has learned — “That God is love and God is everywhere.” She even said she is thankful to have people in her life to help her make big decisions, like “Whether or not to go to Texas A&M.” I think a few of us (ahem) may have gotten a little teary-eyed when she said, “I hope this church is the place I get to have a wedding and marry someone I love.” 

Advent is just around the corner. This year’s activities include the annual gift-making workshop on December 7, a Sanctuary Choir Concert on December 14, and the Healing & Hope Service on December 18. Our Christmas Eve Services will be at 2, 4, & 6 p.m. in Maresh Hall. 

Grace and peace, 

Garrett Vickrey