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St. John's Gives to Warmland's Clothing Drive

 

Uncommon Generosity

 

Early, in my ordained ministry, I visited a small community in rural Saskatchewan. 

When I arrived at the church, I discovered a very modern building. When I entered, one of the first things I noticed was a picture of a simple turn-of-the-century, white shiplap-sided church.

I soon learned how this older building was built with no insulation, no central heating, and no electricity until after the 1950’s.           

I asked how that parish managed to build such a church, with all the modern conveniences of home. The response was a story--partly relating an ambitious clergy person, who challenged the church members with a vision for a new church. 

At first, the parish worried, 'how they would ever accomplish such a task?' Addressing their fears, the priest told them, ‘You will build it, and you will pay for it.'           

Generations have always lived amid the challenges of a world with changing values, norms, and economics. 

Today’s morning news spoke of the economics of the day: the inflation rate; the rising costs of groceries; gas prices; hydro prices; affordable housing--costs and scarcity.            

When faced with economic uncertainty, and unsettling political policies, we also observe changes in stewardship and giving patterns. These patterns are not exclusive to the Church.

They exist in all aspects of our life. At the same time, history does show how past generations have rejected fear and greed, and learned to practice generosity, in new ways.  

A story from the life of Madam C. J. Walker (1867-1919), the first self-made woman-millionaire in the U.S. 

Madam Walker was a faithful member of the Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME) in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Author Tyrone McKinley Freeman writes in his biography of Walker,
Madam C. J. Walker’s Gospel of Giving, Black Women’s Philanthropy during Jim Crow :

Walker (birth name: Sarah Breedlove) lived 'a gospel of giving' that she articulated in 3 ways:

1) give as you can, to be helpful to others.

2) spare no useful means, that may be helpful to others.

3) give more as your means increase, to help others.

Not bad for a woman born on a cotton plantation in Delta, Louisiana, four years after the Emancipation Proclamation. 

She practiced uncommon generosity in challenging times. As we proclaim the good news of the gospel, we can teach people to do the same. 

I recently spoke of the influence and outreach of St. John’s within the Cowichan Valley.  I have since been asked, “What do we do?”

 Consider that as a Parish, we support:

  • Nourish Cowichan;

  • Healthiest Babies;

  • the Food Bank;

  • the Legion’s Poppy Campaign;

  • Foster Parents;

  • Community Kitchens;

  • “Warmlands;”

  • local Syrian families;

  • 12 Step Group(s);

  • House of Grace; and

  • Charlotte’s Place.

  • We offer refreshments/washroom use during the Duncan Parade;  and

  • We hand out treats at Downtown Duncan’s Trick or Treat Day.

  • and more. 

When I get asked if I believe our God, is a generous God.  My answer is, “Certainly!”

 I have seen the instances of God’s generosity confirmed in parish after parish.  

When I hear people in the community share the significance of St. John’s, my heart leaps with joy!  Just the other day, another person spoke to me about how significant St. John’s presence is to the Cowichan Valley.

The Church, since time immemorial, has been a living instrument of the sign, and foretaste, of the kingdom of God. 

Ours is a God of uncommon generosity!

Blessings for this week,
Archdeacon Brian+