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A Note From Lou+
October, 2007
Dear Friends in Christ,
“Moving Forward Together” – three powerful and important words that name our pledge commitment program for the coming year. Christian life is a journey, never static. We are all on “the way,” as the early Church was called. God willing, we are moving forward, not backward – forward to an even brighter, more Spirit-filled future. And this journey is for all of us, together, the faith community of St. Paul’s. We are traveling together, not just as individuals, but as part of the body of Christ, as St. Paul so aptly described the Church. Only by sharing our gifts and talents can we live into the full measure of what God envisions for us. I can’t think of a more appropriate phrase to describe this time of new ministry as we respond to God’s call that has brought us together.
St. Paul’s is a very special place, with a proud history, a vibrant present, and a future as big and unlimited as God’s abundant love for us and for the whole world. God is calling us to great things together. But spreading the Gospel and doing the work of Jesus Christ in the world is expensive. Frankly, it requires lots of money to expand the Kingdom and bring more hope, joy, and peace to the community, the nation, and the world. It costs a lot just to keep the doors open at St. Paul’s, let alone provide the many ministries and programs that make St. Paul’s such an important part of our lives. It will cost even more to live into the future that God envisions for us.
I am never ashamed to ask everyone to join me in giving gratefully back to God a proportion of what God has so freely given to us. As my former Bishop was fond of saying, money is a spiritual issue, and giving is a faith statement. Jesus spoke more about money and the right use of wealth than any other issue except for the Kingdom of God. So I always feel I am in good company when I address the subject of giving.
I can’t and won’t tell you what to give. I will ask that you take this request seriously, and that you pray about what God is calling you to give. I also ask that you consider giving a percentage of your income. It may be helpful to start by considering your current level of giving, seeing what percentage of your income that amount represents, and then increase your giving by some percentage of your income – perhaps 1%. I do believe that it is appropriate to know what your rector gives. My initial pledge commitment to St. Paul’s is $215 per week.
What’s most important is that we all join in moving forward together. We want everyone’s participation, no matter the amount. Together we will have the resources we need to proclaim the Gospel and bring the love of Jesus Christ to a waiting world.
In Christ’s love,
Louis B. Hays
Rector