Today's Scripture lessons depict two widows who both had great faith that God would take care of their needs. They both trusted enough to give from their poverty for the needs of others. 
The widow of Zarephath, whom we meet in the passage from 1^st Kings, was visited by Elijah the prophet.  Elijah asked for some food and drink. The widow said that she had only a little flour and oil left. Elijah assured her that "the jar of flour would not go empty, nor the jug of oil run dry" if she trusted in the Lord and gave from her want to those in need. The widow trusted, gave to Elijah, and her flour and oil did not run out.
We meet another widow in the Gospel passage from Mark. Jesus observes the poor widow putting in two small coins in the collection basket. He remarks to His disciples that she contributed more than the rich people who gave large sums. They gave from their surplus wealth, but she gave from her poverty. 
The lesson for us is obvious. We, too, are called to give to others, not from what is left over, but from our very substance. We are called to be grateful stewards of God's gifts to us, sharing them freely with the needs of the broader Church and beyond.   
Before I became your pastor, St. John's made a commitment to trust in God and share our gifts with others by tithing what we take in from the Building Faith, Weaving Justice capital campaign. Ten percent (10%) of what is collected will be disbursed to various groups that  our Social Mission Advisory Board has recommended. You can see what these groups are on the parish website, www.stjohnnb.com, under Social Mission. 

The Parish Pastoral Council and the Finance & Stewardship Committees are currently considering how this commitment can be ongoing.  As a tithing parish, we would make the commitment to give back to God a portion of what He has given to us. 

Like all families who tithe, we would trust that God would not allow our jug of oil to run dry. Please pray for this discernment process on the parish level, as you pray for guidance also in your family and as individuals. 
This week, you will receive your annual stewardship pledge card. Please take some time in prayer, asking God to lead you to a decision as to how much to pledge next year to your parish family. If you are not already doing so, why not follow the example of the two widows in today's readings? They can teach us much about being good stewards of God's gifts. Thank You,

"I would like to thank all the parishioners and Befrienders of St. John's for their prayers and support during John Battmer's illness. Thanks to Fr. Sean Magnuson and Anne Marie for visiting with him in his final days. Thanks to Dn. Rod and Susan Amos Palmer for the wake service. Thanks to Fr. Sean Magnuson again, Dn. Tom Quayle, Jay Hunstiger, and Arlys Krauter for his funeral  celebration. And finally, thanks to Loretta and the Funeral Luncheon Committee."

Mary Battmer

"Thank you so much to the parish of St. John the Baptist for your prayers and presence at the occasion of my father's death. Your compassionate concern, encouragement, and fervent prayer helped all of us to make sure Dad got home safely. You are wonderful! I thank God for you, and I love you."
Father Don Piché

OUR NEXT MEETING is Wednesday, November 15, at 1:00 p.m. in the Seniors' Lounge. If you have any questions, please call Judy Q. at (651) 633-8333, ext. 1229.