Dear People of St. David's,
I pray that you and yours are well and that you are enjoying these beautiful fall days.
This Sunday is Commitment Sunday at St. David's. It is the Sunday when each of us makes a commitment to God - a promise to contribute to the mission and ministry of St. David's Church. This is the day when we offer God a pledge to use our financial resources for His purposes for the life of our beloved parish and for the good of so many people in need in the Delaware Valley and the world.
Filling out a giving card is hard for many of us. Many of us have an uncomfortable response when someone asks us for money. Even in our own home, there is some discomfort. When Amy and I begin to talk about what our commitment to St. David's will be for the coming year, there can be some short words. We wonder what the year to come might bring and whether we will be ready if we make our pledge and keep it. You may feel the same way when you're considering how you're going to say thanks to God for the blessings in your life and what that looks like in a tangible, financial way.
Well, we don't ever know what the coming year might bring, but we have some clues because you and I are here now and there are many, many blessing our lives. This suggests that there will be more to come and that whatever comes, we will be protected and lifted up by God.
Making a commitment in thanksgiving for all we are and all we have is a good starting point for considering what to give, but what gets me excited is the opportunity to share in God's venture in my life, at St. David's and in the world. You see, we are on a venture with God. He has called us to follow into a life that is really life. It stirs my heart and soul to imagine that some of what we do is connected to God's good and loving purposes. We give of ourselves, not to check some box or merely in thanksgiving, but because our giving will make a difference. It will make a difference in our own lives, most certainly, but will have an effect far, far beyond that. The more we give, the more difference God will make.
So, as you are praying and considering what you might give in the coming year, remember that we are on this amazing venture with this God who loves us and calls us to share in His purposes. Join in with all you are and all you have and enjoy the life with God.
