Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver!
(2 Corinthians 9:7)

Dear friends,


This is an exciting time in the life of Christ Church. Our Church School enrollment is high, our buildings are looking better and better, and we have begun several new programs. More important than any of these conditions, however, is the fact that it seems to be that the spiritual vitality of the parish is rising.


As we give thanks for the legacy of past generations here at Christ Church, we are building up for a great future, in both physical, social, and spiritual aspects. You can feel this energy and this momentum at just about any of the many events that take place at Christ Church.


As I say regularly in preaching, the leading challenge of our society today is not violence, or family decline, or anything else. The leading challenge for us is generosity. Will we share some of our many riches? Will we be willing to share our time, our skills, and our money?


Try this. Look at your income. Imagine giving ten percent, as God asks us. That probably seems impossible. Perhaps you are giving one percent now. Try increasing to two percent next year. If you are at three percent, try four.


When we give enough that it begins to be noticed, we begin to realize that we really have more than enough. We can give two or five or ten percent to support God’s work, and we still get to keep 90 or 95 or 98 percent of what we have been given.


If you give generously, you will feel better. You may not see financial benefits, but you will begin to realize that radical generosity is a great way to live. God has given us everything – life itself, this world, our church, our loved ones, our homes – and God asks us to share some of what we have.


Your pledge will support so much of God’s work. Children are nourished with God’s word. Al-Anon and other community groups have space to meet. People are visited in the hospital. Members grow and mature as Christ’s followers. Most important, Christ is made real each Sunday when we celebrate Holy Eucharist together.


Do not give money out of guilt, to support our budget, or because you think you should. These are not the reasons to give. Give because you are so grateful for all that you have, and give because you want others to know God too.


Please pray and think as you complete your pledge card. Talk things over with your loved ones. You can speak with any member of the Stewardship Committee, our Vestry members, or with me.


Peace,

The Rev'd Scott A. Gunn