Stewardship: A Reflection  

Christy Ogilvie McCreary 

In elementary school, they gave us little envelopes in Sunday School at St. David's in Glenview. There was a line drawing of a church steeple on them, and two parts you could fill in by hand. Name_____, and Amount_____. I had small change in my piggy bank. My parents didn't believe in allowances. My little donation rattled while other kids' made a papery swish landing in the offering plate.

I spent some years away from organized church. In my late 20s, returning to parish life, soon enough I was called to focus on Tithing. The word felt onerous and intimidating, like Duty, Requirement, and Responsibility. Growing up in a prosperous family, it was expected that I would be financially successful. A person with means feels a comfort and predictability I have yet to experience for more than a few months at a time, so tithing felt beyond me. I have reexamined the idea of success. And I have reexamined the idea of tithing. Success is self-defined, as most of us discover. Tithing is a fancy word with connotations I've stepped around to rename as Giving, Sharing, and Contributing.

Part of redefining success has led to the realization that my modest income, which feels strained at times, is higher than 90% of all humans. In material wealth and community resources, I am rich. We are all rich. Knowing this, as well as the great needs which most people face, locally and abroad, I feel compelled to share, to somehow make up the difference. Meditating on how blessed I am, I realize the very air and water I have access to, the house I call home, and the food I eat each day illustrate that I need little else, save the awareness that I am a child of the One who supplies it all. I know for sure there is nothing about me that makes me deserving of my riches, just as there is nothing about others which makes them deserving of their poverty. I use the term riches and poverty in a material as well as an emotional and spiritual way.

Recently I reread a piece about First Fruits giving. It struck me as an elegant image. We who are blessed with so much can show our gratitude and faith in our Creator through a simple action. Give to show your faith in God. Give some of what you have away, before you spend it on your own life. Live on a little less, in a conscious simplicity that reflects the knowledge that so many have less than enough. I must believe, having been provided for week after week, year after year, that I will continue to be provided for - and I must act on that belief.

As a person without a paycheck - back to practical matters - I've made friends with uncertainty. I am one who dislikes the 'pledge' because I'm uncertain what my budget can bear from one month to the next. But I've noticed some interesting things recently. The numbers required to keep St. Nicholas running are comparable to those of a middle income household in the northwest suburbs of Chicago. They are manageable for a family of 4-6 people. St. Nicholas is an extended family exponentially larger than that. Healthy families discuss financial needs and look for ways to cover them. If every person in our gathering gave an average of $20 per week, 50 times per year, we'd meet our goals. Some will give more, and some can give less. But it's manageable. Think about the extras we splurge on: a coffee from Starbucks, a Friday night pizza, or four tickets to a movie (with snacks). You can brew your own coffee (house brand, $5 per can), make your own pizza (dough, sauce & cheese, sausage & veggies, less than $20), and pick up a movie at the library (free!) to watch at home while popping your own corn (Orville Reddenbacher's, $5) on the stove. It's doable.

Together, as a group, we can make a larger impact, each contributing a share. Small amounts add up to a lot. Think of the time you put $10 in your savings account as a kid, once a week. At the end of the year, you had more than $500! We can have that sort of impact on our beloved community, as well as the larger world around us, who so need lovingkindness and the hands of Jesus in their lives.

Peace to all,

Christy Ogilvie McCreary

Please return your Fannie May orders no later than Sunday, November 11. Either put them in the provided basket on the table in the entry area or give them to Pat Kalicki. The orders will be processed and all of the orders you sold will be delivered directly to your home the week of December 3. You do not need to be home. Remember Saint Nicholas receives a 30% discount off regular prices; 10% is passed on to our customers and we receive the other 20%.

John Laveen, dear and long time friend of Ruth: John turns 98 this week, but sadly, he is near death.  Pray God is merciful to him and lessens his suffering and pain. 

Lou, a friend of St. Nicholas and member of the Nooners Group: Lou is undergoing a very serious kidney surgery to remove tumors.  Pray for his full and swift recovery.

John Walsh, uncle to our Cyndi DeBock who passed away:  May the Risen Christ welcome John to his heavenly reward and comfort all who mourn his passing. 

For our vicar, Manuel Borg, that his leg be healed and he quickly regains his mobility.

Bruce Ogilvie, father of Christy Ogilvie McCreary:  Bruce is to undergo medical testing at Mayo Clinic. 

Connie Anderson, a friend of Nancy Allan who is has been diagnosed with cancer: for her well being and recovery.   

Bishop James Allan, our Nancy Allan's relation: he has taken a turn for the worse and his health is in rapid decline; pray for his peace and comfort and strength and acceptance for his family. 

Shirley Martinez, a friend of our Scott Cummings: she is battling cancer; pray for her health and well being.   

Vivian, sister to our Thelma Malacek, who is battling ovarian cancer: for successful surgery and a full and complete recovery.  Also, Vivian's friend, Peggy, who has been diagnosed with inoperable pancreatic cancer: for strength and peace for Peggy and family. 

Linda Buzard, choral director of St. John the Divine in Urbana and a friend of Bob DeHaven, is battling breast cancer: pray for full recovery and sound health.

Marcia Kizior, sister of Bob DeHaven, who is in poor health.

Pamela Joy DeHaven, in thanksgiving for recovery and continued remission.   

Hope Smith, whose cancer has reappeared: for strength, peace and guidance.

For those in transition: those searching for work, those who are moving and those encountering changes in life.

Psalm 146
Hebrews 9:11-14
Mark 12:28-34