Annual Campaign 2026

​​

As we begin our 2026 Stewardship Campaign, I find myself reflecting on the abundant grace that God continues to pour out on our parish community—grace entrusted to us, as stewards, to share.

​

Our theme this year, Entrusted with Grace, Sharing God’s Abundance, comes from 1 Peter 4:10: “Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.” The gifts we’ve received— spiritual and material—are not meant to be hoarded but shared joyfully for the good of our neighbor and the glory of God.

At Atonement, you embody this every day. I see it in the devotion and reverence with which the liturgy is offered at the altar and in the quiet acts of kindness behind the scenes. I hear it in the voices of our choristers, in the laughter of our children, in the care shown to our neighborhood guests over a hot meal. I witness it in your presence, your generosity, your commitment to this parish and to God's mission in the Edgewater community and beyond.

​

And yes—your financial gifts are part of this stewardship of grace. They are what make our common life possible. Through your pledges, we maintain not just historic buildings, but a sanctuary of welcome, reverence, and renewal in a noisy and anxious world. We support ministries that bring beauty, mercy, and truth to people who desperately need to hear and experience the good news of Jesus Christ.

​

Between now and All Saints’ Day on Sunday, November 2, you’ll hear from several of your fellow parishioners who will share what it means to them to be “entrusted with grace” both at Mass on Sundays and online. Each year, I look forward to hearing glimpses of our parishioners’ journeys and specifically what Atonement means to them. I hope you’ll listen attentively and let their stories spark your own inner reflections on how God is moving in your life.

​

As you consider your pledge this year, I invite you to reflect on these questions:

​

• How has God’s grace been entrusted to me through this community?

• In what ways is God calling me to share that grace, that abundance, with others?

​

If you’ve never pledged before, please consider making this the year you take that step—however large or small. And if you’ve pledged in the past, I ask you to prayerfully consider increasing your commitment as an act of thanksgiving for God’s generosity in your life. Jay and I have already submitted our pledge card that reflects an increased pledge from last year.

​

We give because God first gave to us. Stewardship is not a transaction, it is a response—a holy act of love, trust, and joyful participation in God’s work. Together, let us step into this season with hearts open to God’s abundance and ready to share it.

 

Thank you for the many ways you give of yourselves to make Atonement a place where God’s grace overflows. 

​

God’s peace,​

​

Fr. Charles

​

The Rev’d Charles Everson

Rector