Gratitude That Grows, Connection That Sustains

As we step into a new year, I find myself reflecting with deep gratitude on what The Seeds of Giving accomplished together in 2025. Stewardship is more than numbers on a page. It’s about honoring the trust, generosity and shared purpose that connect us as a community. And in 2025, those connections produced beautiful fruit.

Because of your faithfulness and generosity, lives were changed. Families were strengthened. Needs were met with dignity and compassion. In 2025:

• 90 employees served 65 non-profit organizations providing immediate and long-term solutions to individuals in their communities.

• 24 non-profit organizations were awarded grants for the impact they are making within their communities.

• 41 employees received support during their tough times reminding them that they are not alone in their struggle.

• $508,265 was invested directly into the communities where employees work and live.

Each of these numbers represents a story. A moment when someone felt seen. A reminder that they were not alone. A tangible expression of love in action.

Scripture reminds us, “Let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth” (1 John 3:18). In 2025, that truth came alive through your generosity and commitment to serving others.

Gratitude is the foundation of stewardship. When we pause to acknowledge what has been entrusted to us, we recognize that giving is not a transaction but a relationship. It’s an act of faith. It’s how we honor the belief that every person is created in God’s image and worthy of care.

Connection is what transforms gratitude into momentum. In 2025, we didn’t just give; we walked alongside one another. We strengthened relationships between families, volunteers, donors and partners. We listened. We learned. And we grew together.

The Apostle Paul says, “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up” (1 Thessalonians 5:11). That encouragement lived out through service and generosity will continue to guide us in the year ahead.

Stewardship asks us an important question: How will we use what we’ve been given to bless others? Thanks to you, the answer in 2025 was clear and powerful.

On behalf of the Stewardship Committee, thank you for your trust, your generosity and your heart for service. Together, we will continue to plant seeds of hope, nurture connection and watch gratitude grow into lasting impact.