Why do I give to St. Patrick's?

I give because giving is good for me. Releasing control over my treasure eases its grasp over me and gives space for God to continue the work of creating in me a generous heart.     

Giving is about yielding our hearts to generosity so that we may learn to love as God loves. Releasing control over things, especially money, is scary; there is no doubt about it. But we are not called to offer everything up all at once. Rather, God cultivates generous hearts in us incrementally, as we yield bit by bit, sometimes dollar by dollar.

As for us, Anne and I agreed early on in our marriage that we would strive to become givers. Giving over the years conditioned our hearts for the scary jolt of my leaving a partnership in a law firm and starting all over again professionally. This has been such a wild ride, but we have always experienced the companionship of Jesus in this journey of yielding, even and especially in our fears!

So why give to St. Patrick's? We Games give to St. Patrick's because we are confident that the Vestry and Wardens are trustworthy stewards of what we offer, and that our gifts, together with your gifts, will be used well to advance the Kingdom of God. Giving to the parish financially is one important way that our family remains "all in" with our parish family and with what God is up to among the people with whom we worship and feel most especially part of the body of Christ.

We have been giving ten percent or more of our income for nearly twenty years now. In doing so, we recognize that the scriptural tithe (and the related notion of proportional giving) is but a tool--a tool that can be quite useful as we lean into the spiritual discipline of giving, but profoundly harmful if it becomes a source of pride or shame.

Let me close by saying that God does not want giving that is wrung out of us by guilt. As Paul reminded the church in Corinth, "Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7. Again, what God is after is giving that comes freely, from a generous heart.

If you have made a pledge, then let me say, on behalf of the Vestry and Wardens, thank you so much for your faithfulness in entrusting your treasure to the mission and ministry of this Parish!

If you are not yet be ready to make a pledge, that is just fine. All we ask is that you search your heart. Ask God to calm your fears about this scary, daunting discipline of giving, and consider yielding to the call to generosity just a little bit more this year. It is so good for you-and me!

Gratefully,

D+

Adapted from Fr. Dick's sermon delivered on Stewardship Sunday, available here. Pledge cards are available here. Please turn your pledge card into our Parish Administrator, Nicole Cone, by email, or in person as soon as you are able as it is essential to our forming our parish budget for 2014. You may find a printable pledge card here.