Wednesday Word: Jerry Mullinax's St. Thomas Story
On November 13, Jerry Mullinax shared during the 8:30 and 10:30 services about his St. Thomas Story his remarks are below. He is pictured here with his wife Martha.
Good morning, Saint Thomas family,
I’m Jerry Mullinax, and I’m glad for the chance to speak to you briefly this morning about the annual pledge campaign that begins today. A packet of materials that you will receive today presents details of the campaign and a new logo theme that will appear on all printed materials that promote and portray the programs and ministries of St. Thomas Church. I’m pleased to serve on the Stewardship Committee that helped to develop the campaign theme and materials, but I’m not here today in that Committee role.
Martha and I are newcomers to St. Thomas but not to Columbus. I’d like to tell you about how we came to be members here. Most of you don’t know that we lived, worked, raised children, and retired in Columbus over a period of 48 years. In 2015, we moved to Florida for a seven- year “visit”. Something wonderfully unexpected happened to us there. We discovered that we were meant to be Episcopalians! We united with a lovely church in Dunedin and became involved in its programs and outreach ministries. But then, in the spring of this year and after much soul- searching, we realized that our desire to come home to our native Georgia had become irresistible, and we said goodbye to Florida. There was no doubt in our minds that St. Thomas would be our church destination. We knew of St. Thomas
and its community presence during our many years in Columbus and had several friends within the Parish. Even before leaving Florida, we knew there was to be no searching for another church. We are so happy to be here and appreciate the warm friendly welcome you have extended to us.
St. Thomas Church has come through recent, challenging years remarkably well and continues to move forward boldly in programs, mission outreach, community service and care for church property. Your financial stewardship just in the last year has enabled the payoff of the Church’s line of credit, an increase to the endowment fund for future generations, renovation of the Parish Hall and addressing several pressing infrastructure issues with church property. We give thanks to God for your faithfulness.
Many good things are happening at St. Thomas. There is no lack of opportunity for involvement in the service and outreach efforts of the Church. There’s a place for every person to learn, serve and strengthen our witness and provision for the Parish and the community. We are relational people here. We need connection to thrive and be fulfilled. That connection is evident every day at St. Thomas.
Even in a challenging economic period, the Finance Committee and Vestry have recommended a budget for next year that equals the 2022 budget and anticipates increased costs of living and inflation. Your continued faithful support will enable the St. Thomas family to live out its commitment to the mission portrayed in our new theme: to Love God, Love Every Person, and Learn & Serve Together. That’s who we are at St. Thomas and, with God’s help, it’s who we will continue to be. Let it be so
