Dear people of Christ Church,
This week, we have our monthly summary of the work of your vestry. Particularly notable is that we are in the beginning stages of considering consultants for a capital campaign to supplement historic preservation funds (hopefully!) to be received from the city of Waltham.
A few weeks ago, junior warden Sarah Staley and I attended a conference about church stewardship. In a session called "Money: The Big Taboo" presenter Nick Carter, president of Andover Newton Seminary, talked about how often when we talk about stewardship we get the theology all wrong. We don't give because what is "ours" isn't really ours and we "should" give back to God what belongs to God. We give because we want to be part of things. We give time and money to things we value in support of them, but also--and maybe most importantly--to celebrate. Generosity--giving--is essential to who we were created to be.
In the next issue of the Christ Church Quarterly, you'll hear about so many things to give to--the garden (some very exciting things to come!), to Haiti for our "Easter pigs," to so many ways we try to support the mission of God here. And, yes, eventually (a while off, yet)... a capital campaign. This Sunday, we have our children's Sunday with special diaper collection. There is so much need.
For today, though, just take a moment to pray in thanksgiving for all you have--things you have received, and things you are able to give.
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