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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