Stewardship 2024: A Letter from John Murchison
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
This may be one of the most important letters I will write this year.
You have heard St. James’ need to fund two or three additional positions, in addition to increased increases. The church has real needs. That’s important information. However, for me, rather than contemplate this year’s needs, the essential question is, why do I give?
The reason I give is because it strengthens my spiritual life. I once heard, “Consider giving, not until it hurts, but until it feels good.” I can honestly say that I do that now. I give until it feels good. Crazy but true. And it’s all about the notion of tithing.
One of the spiritual practices that I consider most sacred is tithing. Early on, I resisted the thought of putting aside a percentage of my income toward the church. The truth is that one year, Frances and I fell into tithing by mistake. That particular year, I was working for The United Way and was on the stewardship committee at St. James. In seeing the numbers, Frances and I realized that in the previous year, we had tithed. We realized not only that we could do it, but in fact, that we had done it. It felt great.
Scripture points to tithing as a spiritual practice, not based on the needs of a particular institution or a particular time, but rather, for us, as disciples, as followers of Jesus. That it puts in perspective what we honor. What we call sacred. I can say that the practice has changed my spiritual life, and thus my whole life.
I encourage you to think about it, pray about it, and consider giving yourself the gift of this deeply important spiritual practice. You may surprise yourself. It could change your life.
I can honestly say that now, years later, I enjoy the gift of giving. The art of giving from a generous heart can be a wonderful gift. It lightens my burdens. It helps me to remember that everything I have is from God and belongs to God. That I am simply a steward of my resources. When we sing, “Ponder anew, what the Almighty can do,” it reminds me once again how God has redeemed my life.
For me, my stewardship commitment is one of the best ways to give my thanks for Jesus’ abundant love for me and for this community. Down the street on Dawson, they call it the Soul Saving Station. I can claim that for myself right here at St. James at 3rd and Market. I owe every gift in my life to Jesus, as my soul savior.
We heard from Phillip this morning how we have so much for which to be thankful: life itself, our children, the miracle of birth, forgiveness, and healing (in my case from near-death from COVID). You can name those for yourself.
I’ve been challenged by another Episcopal clergy to look at my wallet and my calendar. They are an indication of what I prioritize. Does your heart ever ache with the desire to feel closer to God? To feel like you are one of God’s prized possessions that already you are?
You now have the opportunity to step out in faith and claim with your calendar, your wallet, or both, that you believe that everything you have comes from God, belongs to God. That you are God’s beloved and chosen, and that you are here to be God’s hands and feet in the world.
Blessings,
John Murchison