“Much is required of the person to whom much is given; much more is required from the person
to whom much more is given” (Luke 12:48)
October 14, 2018
Beloved in Christ,
As followers of Jesus, these words apply as much today as they did two thousand years ago. We
are reminded to look at all God has placed in our care. It is easy to get caught up in the
materialism of today’s society, confusing our own wants as needs. It is easy to forget that Jesus
calls us by our Baptism to continue the work He began on earth. It is our responsibility to ensure
that we pass on the faith to up-coming generations and to support the work of the Church here in
our own community and throughout the world.
Over the last few weeks you have heard us talk in church about Joyful Giving. In considering a
joyful gift we recognize that all our gifts, abilities and possessions come from God. We
acknowledge that we live, love and work because God gave us the ability and opportunity to do
so.
We realise that without God’s free gift of our lives and our physical and mental abilities, any
effort on our part would be useless. In fact, our very ambition to go out and work is itself part of
God’s loving gift of our own human nature.
Likewise, all the material possessions we have derive from God’s continued will to allow us to
keep them. The gift of free will means that God allows us to decide what we will do with our
lives and our wealth. To give joyfully is our choice. God is inviting us into a complete and
loving relationship. Our gift will also strengthen our loving relationship with God’s people
because it will help support our parish and our diocese.
Over the last number of years, our average “gift” given at St. Timothy’s has not kept up with the
Diocesan average for this area (which is $1750 per year) or natural inflation. Year to year, our
revenues at year end are approximately 10% less than our expenses, even though we carry out
ministry on a very tight operating budget. If we expect to see our ministries grow and be
available not just to our neighbours who struggle, but also available to you and I when we need it
most, then we need to seriously reflect on what a sacrificial gift means for each and every family.
Reviewing and reflecting on your personal contributions from last year, for which we are indeed
grateful, I am asking you to prayerfully consider a contribution of 2-3% (or more) of your annual
net income to the work of the Church, here in our own parish, in our diocese and beyond. You
might consider donating an hour’s pay per week to church and a similar amount to charity.
