by Jaime Castle
It’s amazing to me to think that we are already at the half-way point of the church’s fiscal year. The past months seemed to have flown by. I’d like to hit a pause button and catch my breath. Let’s all hit that metaphorical pause button together. Inhale. Exhale. Good!
In this space of pausing and contemplation, I want you to know that even though the ground is frozen outside, there are still seeds being sown. It is a good time of year to plant our seeds – what do we want to grow this year? What do we want to hold in our hands come September? If we plan now, the year can be fruitful in so many ways.
In my life, there are many improvements that I’ll be making this year regarding my home. I am sowing the seeds that will bloom into sacred spaces – inside and outside. I give much of myself to many worthy causes, so to not wear myself out, I’m planting seeds now that are quick sprouting. They will bloom bright and cheerful and tell me to remember to practice self-care. As I pinch off each fading blossom, more will bud in its place reminding me that my little ones will not be little for long so I better take the time to be with them and enjoy them.
Seeds are being started for you all now too! There are many things in the works that will be taking place here at Heritage Church in the coming months. I would like to share with you all what is planned so far and perhaps you will want to don your own trusty garden gloves, or bring along your polished tools? You can jump in and help with these events or perhaps you’ve got seeds of your own you’d like to sow – a fun event you want to organize or a service project like a blood drive?
Getting right to it – the second half of the church year brings us to our main fundraising event – the Spring Auction. Last year this event, named The Gala of Benevolent Deities, was a big party of mythological proportions. We dined to live harp music and feasted on delicious Greek fare while attired in regal togas. There was a theater production and athletic trials, storytelling, fortune telling, and crafts. At the end of the evening, the theme for the next auction was revealed. And today, a small but mighty team (Joelle Tunning, Ellie Lamb, Shannon Murley, and myself) met to get this year’s event started. The theme that won was Sci-Fi and the auction this year will be on the evening of Saturday April 27th! So, save the date for: The Intergalactic Gala! I can surely promise you that this year’s party will be out of this world!
Another fundraiser that will be planned for May, will be the Heritage Plant Sale. Many people last year took advantage of preordering flats of plants, hanging baskets, herbs, perennials, and vegetables. Additional inventory of plants was available to buy for those who did not preorder as well. Sadly, our drive-by plant stand (hoping to bring in neighborhood folks) last year suffered from being held on a cold, unrelentingly rainy day. But it was all still a success and we will be bringing it back this spring.
The auction service Everything But The House worked with us at the end of the last fiscal year and the proceeds ended up counting as a part of this current year. It was a learning process but was very worthwhile. Many folks stepped up and donated items, some with strong sentimental value, some just things that were cleaned out of the home. The major advantage of this fundraiser was that it brought in money from sources outside of our pockets. Barbara Rohrer is ready to help take on the next round of EBTH fundraiser when the time comes -perhaps this summer? We are evaluating the timing currently.
So, let me know if you would like to help in any way. Do plan to start seeds of your own in your life as well? What will our harvest look like? What will be our bounty? Prepare your soil, lovingly add in your seeds. Tend to and nurture your objectives and weed out any obstacle or worry. This year we face a garden of beautiful possibilities!
Ok. Are you ready? Great! Unpause! Go!
Jaime
February 2019.
