October 24th, 2025 | Rev. Rachel Williams

Dear Friends,

               Our stewardship series Wholehearted draws to a close this week with a saint known for their myriad of wisdom and gifts used for the glorification of God. Pastor Charlie and I had so much fun preparing for this sermon series because we could dive into the interesting lives of many saints (more than what we could feasibly conceive of in a series!), and the striking commonality between all of their lives is their “yes” to God, even if that “yes” meant turning from the comfort and expectations of their lived reality, even if it meant entering into abject poverty, even if it meant the loss of their life. Following Christ is a sacrifice for all who love him.

 Saints do not become saints in their lifetime, nor should they make that the ideal, but one may be considered for sainthood after living an exceptionally holy life (that and performing at least two witnessed miracles). And though many of us are not on our way to canonization, there are many paths to sainthood. By learning more about their lives, we are inspired to listen to how God calls us to follow God. We are all called to holiness in this life if we are to choose a life in Christ.

Is there something stirring within you to draw closer to Christ? What steps might you take to live a life wholly for God? This Sunday, we’ll invite you to bring your financial pledge cards forward during a time of reflection and consecration. These pledges will help us plan for the near future, but they will also allow us to envision how we might serve more people in Fernandina Beach, Nassau County, and the world in years to come. I hope to see you Sunday!

With grace and peace,

Pastor Rachel