A Note

From Pastor Mark

There Is a Place at the Table for You

Every table tells a story. Some tables hold memories of family meals, holiday celebrations, laughter, and conversation. Around a table, strangers become friends, stories are shared, burdens are carried, and people discover that they belong. Sometimes, however, a table also includes an empty chair—a place waiting for someone who has not yet found their way.

This October, our fall stewardship emphasis at Shepherd of the Prairie will center on the theme, “There Is a Place at the Table for You.” It reflects our congregation’s welcome: “A Place to Belong, Even Before You Believe.” It also reminds us that God’s kingdom is like a great banquet where the invitation is generous, the welcome is wide, and there is always room for one more.

Stewardship is sometimes understood primarily as paying bills or maintaining buildings. Those things are necessary, but Christian stewardship is about something much greater. Stewardship is our faithful response to everything God has first given us. Through our time, abilities, service, invitations, and financial gifts, we make room for people to experience grace, hope, community, and the transforming love of Jesus Christ. Every act of generosity pulls out another chair.

We will introduce the emphasis during worship on October 3 and 4. Then, throughout the following weeks, we will explore several biblical stories that show what it means to make room at God’s table.

On October 11, we will hear Jesus’ parable of the Great Banquet from Luke 14 and remember that “There Is Always Room.” God’s invitation is not exclusive but expansive. The church exists because someone once made room for us, welcomed us, taught us, and shared the faith with us. Now God calls us to extend that same welcome to others.

On October 18, the story of the friends who lowered a paralyzed man through the roof will help us consider what it means to be “Making Space.” Sometimes welcoming another person requires creativity, persistence, and the removal of barriers. Our generosity supports ministries that help people gain access to worship, learning, care, service, and community.

On Reformation Sunday, October 25, we will reflect on Jesus feeding the five thousand and discover that, in God’s hands, there is “More Than Enough.” What appeared to be far too little became an abundant blessing. This story invites us to trust that every gift matters and that God can accomplish extraordinary things through the ordinary gifts we faithfully offer.

Our emphasis will conclude on All Saints Sunday, November 1, as we celebrate that “The Table Keeps Growing.” We will remember the saints who made room for us, celebrate the ministries we share today, and look with hope toward all those God will welcome through our congregation in the future. We will also gather for a celebration breakfast between services.

Throughout the emphasis, members of our ministry teams will share how their work extends Christ’s table and how you can become involved. Each week, another chair will be placed near the communion table as a visible reminder that someone is still waiting to be welcomed.

You will also be invited to complete an Estimate of Giving card for 2027. This is not a contract, but a faithful statement of intention. These cards help our leaders plan responsibly and confidently for worship, faith formation, pastoral care, outreach, staffing, and the many ministries through which we serve our neighbors.

Please pray about your response and participate as you are able. There is a place at the table for you—and through your generosity, we can make room for someone else.

Looking forward to being with you in worship!

Pastor Mark