A Personal Testimony
During last year's annual fund drive (in 2006 for 2007), several people spoke in church about being a part of the church. Here, with permission, is what one parishioner said:
As a member of St. James' for more than 41
years, I have witnessed many changes since the day we met in a school at Tilden
Woods to the day when we first joined in a service of thanksgiving in this very
church building. It is here that our three children attended Sunday School and
were confirmed, two were married and three grandchildren were baptized. During
my late husband's long illness, I was constantly overwhelmed with the outpouring
of love and support by the body of Christ at St. James'. At the present time I
am dealing with the terminal illness of my sister and once again am the
recipient of much compassion. Little wonder that I cannot imagine my life
without St. James' for it has become my second home and I thankfully support its
mission in both prayer and pledge. I have seen it grow in many positive ways and
take special notice in the growth of our Sunday school and our outreach
missions. Like many of you, I have served on the vestry and various committees
and still continue to be active in the life of St. James'.
During the 13 years that my husband John served as Treasurer, I became acutely
aware of St. James' finances. Although obviously I am no longer affiliated on
that level, I still am interested in the financial health of this parish. As
both a teller and office volunteer on Tuesdays and Fridays, I see first hand the
workings of the church office in action, from utility expenses, parish hall
payments, salaries, request for reimbursements etc. while Linda is on the phone
ordering supplies or talking with repair personnel to correct the latest
unexpected breakdown. This summer it was the AC in the parish hall, one week it
was the grease trap in the parish hall kitchen - next week it will be something
else.
All of this brings us to some realization of just what it takes to operate St.
James'. A report from our Treasurer Parke indicates that the budget for 2006 is
approximately $700,000. If we subtract the income that is generated by rentals,
the schools, various fund raisers, etc. our yearly budget need is reduced to
$372,000. If you divide that figure by 12, that comes to $31,000 which is needed
each month by us to operate St. James. As you can see, it takes a lot to support
this loving church.
But enough of figures. As good stewards we are asked to prayerfully share a
portion of our time, talent and treasure, for in giving we are extending the
good works of God. An insight into this giving comes from the words of the late
theologian Dr. Harry Emerson Fosdick, pastor of Riverside Church in New York:
| "The Sea of Galiee and the Dead Sea are made of the same water. It flows down from the Hermon . The Sea of Galiee makes beauty of it, for Sea of Galiee has an outlet. It gets to give. It gathers in its riches that it may pour them out again to fertilize the Jordan plain. But the Dead Sea, with the same water makes horror. For the Dead Sea has no outlet. It gets to keep. That is the radical difference between selfish and unselfish men. We all want life's enriching blessings. But some get to give, and they are like Galiee, while some men get to keep and they are like the brackish water that covers Sodom and Gomorrah." |
If we honestly believe our mission statement that "St. James' is a community in which we come to know Jesus Christ, to learn about Him, to love Him, to proclaim Him and to serve in His name", the choice before us is quite simple - whether to give or to keep.
The Practice of Proportional Giving
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Respond: Accomplishing the Goals