Click Here to Read Our 2025 Campaign Narrative
Fall 2024
Dear Friends of Christ Church,
It is time to focus our prayerful attention on the season of stewardship. Just as autumn brings shorter days and a decrease of natural light, so the world is immersed in unclarity and uncertainty around so many things – raging wars and conflicts, political and partisan mistrust, and economic uncertainty – that cause anxiety and stress for so many. We can find comfort in one thing: Jesus and his first followers knew the same realities as we do. Yet, amidst all of that darkness and fear, Jesus continued to reach out to those whose blindness, both physical and spiritual, created barriers to the fullness of life.
One of the most powerful stories of healing in our tradition is the encounter between Jesus and Bartimaeus, a blind beggar. Jesus asked, ‘What do you want me to do for you?’ The blind man said to him, ‘My teacher, let me see again.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Go; your faith has made you well.’ Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way. (Mark 10: 51-52)
Mark’s journey narrative is primarily concerned with coming to see who Jesus is and what it means to follow him. In the beginning it is often difficult to see things clearly, but as Bartimaeus reminds us, Jesus’ invitation provides a clear-sighted experience of him as the agent of God’s healing power. More important than the restoration of physical sight is our new spiritual insight into the person of Jesus.
The experience of Bartimaeus’ healing is what we are called to replicate at Christ Church. We experience new sight in liturgy and worship. We come to new life through Christian formation and spiritual practice. We find Christ in our children and youth through ministry and education. We offer Christ to others by social outreach and community involvement. We proclaim Christ as advocates for justice, equality and inclusion to all. We witness the reality of a new way to live in the darkness of the world as renewed eyes embraced by the light and transformation Christ offers.
As you discern your pledge of financial stewardship this year, I ask you to reflect on the new sight you have been offered by this community. I invite you to help us share with those still asking for Christ’s gift of restored sight. May we all rise up and follow Jesus ON THE WAY.
Peace and blessings,
The Rev’d Brad Toebben
Rector
How to pay your pledge:
You can set up weekly or monthly payments from your checking account or by debit or credit card* online by clicking on the giving form below.
Or, if you prefer, pick up a pledge card at worship and place it in the offering plate or in the mailbox in the office reception area.
*Did you know that credit cards cost Christ Church much more to process? By giving through your checking or savings account, or by agreeing to offset the processing fee, everything you give directly will benefit Christ Church!
Pledging online is simple!
There are many ways to make your pledge online: choose the option that best suits you!
If you have an account in Realm (our online directory & giving platform), simply login to your account. https://onrealm.org/ccparish/
If you want to pledge through Realm and need an account, click here! (https://onrealm.org/ccparish/SignIn)
If you would prefer to pledge without a Realm account, click here (https://onrealm.org/ccparish/-/form/give/now)!
Pledging By Mail: If you’d like to make your pledge by mail, fill out the pledge card you received in the mail fill it out, and mail it to:
Christ Church Episcopal Parish
Box 447
Lake Oswego, OR 97034
Other ways to pay your pledge:
Prefer to pay your pledge through gifts of stock?
When making a gift of stock to Christ Church, we ask that you fill out the Gift of Stock document in advance or at the time of the transfer. We will then be able to watch for your gift, as well as note the gift appropriately on your statement. If you have questions please email bookkeeper@ccparish.org .
Click here to download the Gift of Stock document.
(Blank Stock Donation Form)
Using Your IRA to Make Your Gifts to Christ Church?
If you are age 70½ or older, you qualify to make a charitable gift from your traditional IRA account. The IRA Charitable Rollover provides you an excellent opportunity to make a gift during your lifetime from an asset that would be subject to multiple levels of taxation if it remained in your taxable estate. For any questions, please email boookeeper@ccparish.org for more information