Giving All

Over the past couple of days, we’ve reflected on the power of trust, surrender, and giving: specifically, in showing up with an open heart, and offering our time in service.

But there is more still…

From a Christian perspective, when we think about giving, we are invited also to give of our money. This may be the hardest thing of all to surrender because money is near to our hearts. Personally, this is the most difficult. But being the most difficult to surrender, it has the most impact – even outsized impact – both in the world in here, in our hearts, and in the world out around us.

I think about some of the ways the giving of time, money, energy, and talents, has impacted my own congregation and community.

I think about Fran McCormick who spoke before our congregation one Sunday. She said: “I came to this church two years ago – two months after my husband’s death. I was broken, lost, and alone when I stepped through the front doors. I found a beautiful, warm, loving church and a welcoming congregation. I found strangers who have become friends, and are now family…. I have grown spiritually and my life has been changed…”

I think hungry children being fed at local elementary schools. I think about the women at Betty Griffin seeking shelter… I think about Habitat homes being built… I think about 50 families coming each week to the food pantry up the road.

And, I think about Dial Hope. And how your giving empowers this ministry…

I could go on and on…

No doubt, there is tremendous need – all around us… Sometimes it feels overwhelming. There is great divisiveness… There is an epidemic of loneliness… and at the same time a spiritual hunger… And we each carry our own needs and our own struggles and our own burdens…

It is in and through this struggle that Jesus calls us… and begins to heal us… Come unto me… Together you are my Body… my heart and hands at work in the world… You are a part of my answer to a world spiraling out of control. I’m starting with you…

Come unto me… trust… surrender…give… and receive.

Let us pray: Open our hearts to trust you, O God, and to surrender. Even in our own need, especially in our own need, help us find ways to give and to serve; in Jesus’ name. Amen.