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Generosity in Our Faith Community

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When we are generous together, we can do more than any of us can do alone. When we are generous together, we strengthen our connections to our chosen community of faith.

Rev. Tracey Robinson-Harris


            The ushers had finished taking the morning offering. As they began to walk toward the back of the sanctuary, 4 year old Jeffrey hopped down off the pew and ran down the aisle toward them. One arm was raised above his head and in his hand he held a dollar bill. “Wait”, he said loudly so the ushers could hear him. “Wait.  You forgot me!”
 The ushers stopped in their tracks.  We watched as Jeffrey caught up to them.  He placed his dollar in the offering plate.  Everyone was smiling, including Jeffrey.  He returned to the pew where his family was seated.
            He was determined.  He had his gift.  He was ready to give.  He was going to be sure he had the opportunity to give, even if it meant chasing after the ushers!  He would not be left out. 
Since that now long ago Sunday, I have often imagined what it would be like for an entire congregation to give as Jeffrey did–ready with a gift, determined to be included, smiling when that gift is received and added to those of others.
What if we leap from our seats and chase the ushers down the aisle on Stewardship Sunday!  What if we overwhelm the Stewardship Committee with our enthusiasm as we greet them at the doors and give them our pledge cards!   What if our curiosity leads us from table to table, display to display, at the Stewardship (Opportunity) Fair during fellowship hour and we find those places where our gifts of time and talent are a great fit!
What if it were like that at First Unitarian on Sunday October 6th?
When the ushers received his gift, Jeffrey was joyful at being included.  His parents understood a larger meaning to his, and their, giving.  When we are generous together, we can do more than any of us can do alone.  When we are generous together, we strengthen our connections to our chosen community of faith.  May it be so for us.
In faith,

Tracey

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