Generosity

Generosity is a condition of mind; a state of being, an approach to living. It is not a law; in fact it has the potential to go far beyond the limits of what might be required in a set of rules or laws. Generosity is from the heart.

The debate about the difference between generosity and tithing always reminds me of the story about a homeless man who found a new relationship with God and wanted to do something in return. He decided to pay tithing, and promised that 10% of all he earned would go to help others. Since he had only $10.00 at the time, his tithe seemed easy and he was happy to give his tenth. At that point, the man was also very generous.

Time went on and the man’s fortunes changed. He had opportunities that led to him becoming financially successful, and eventually wealthy. He continued to tithe, but somehow lost the spirit of generosity. Finally he sought out the Bishop who had brought him to Christ in the first place. “Bishop, you’ve got to get me out of that promise,” the man said. “Tithing is now costing me over a million dollars a year. I can’t afford that!” The Bishop thought for a moment, and then said, “Well there is nothing I can do about your promise, that’s between you and God, but I’ll tell you what I can do. I can ask God to reduce your income back down to $10.00, and then you won’t have to pay so much!”

Encourage your generous heart today.

Fish

This just in from Del & Diane reporting the latest news from Grand Valley:

Last night we hosted our first annual fish fry - what a great success! It was awesome, delicious and again a great outreach into the community- young people also attended. We served 200. Doing this type of thing involves a lot of members, non members and friends in the set up and during the supper. We sold tickets also at the Grand Valley fair for the supper - which was also a great outreach in chatting with many people.

Also included in the report is the June strawberry supper, serving 250+ as well as active participation in the Ministerial Association, community fair and ecumenical service. Three summer baptisms took place with confirmations planned for upcoming fall services.

Thanks to this CPI couple for reporting on some of their recent outreach ministries.

Budget

It was budget week at Canada East Mission office and all minds were focused on squeezing as much good ministry possible out of our collective generosity.

Once again we're proud of our members' response to the call for resources that make so much programming possible. Oh yes, of course if we had more we could do more. But the mood is not one of regret but of celebration for the willing contributors, volunteer leaders who offer so much of their time, expertise and creativity.

Our Merrie Bande of Bishops will always happily lay out how a narrative budget can help congregations accomplish your vision or lead a Good $ense workshop to assist members and friends make good budgeting decisions and get their finances on track.

Around here, budget is not a dirty word, but one that helps us advance the mission and be about our Father's business.

Free

Once, while visiting an art show on the Plaza in Kansas City, I saw a picture of a happy little girl who appeared to be from Haiti or somewhere tropical. She was standing outside her brightly coloured house in what was clearly not a wealthy neighbourhood. The caption below the picture said, “Don’t know, don’t care, and it doesn’t matter!” How I love that little girl! How I wish I could be so free!

We should be that free, you know. Most of the things we worry about don’t really matter at all, but here we go, wandering around with serious expressions, carrying the weight of a whole lot of artificial concerns on (or in) our heads. Don’t you find it odd, when you walk down the street in some of the wealthiest countries on the planet, that people don’t smile? We have all these worries. We have all these things, so we have to worry that somebody might steal them. We have to pay insurance in case our “things” get lost, stolen, or damaged, but then we are upset with the high cost of insurance! Seems like there is a pretty simple solution to all this, don’t you think?

So today, if you find yourself frowning or worrying about something you probably can’t control anyway, try saying to yourself, “Don’t know, don’t care, and it doesn’t matter!” You may need to say it a few times before you convince yourself that you really believe it, but it is wonderful therapy. And try wearing a smile today. Its good for your soul and will lift others as well. Be free!

Change (continued)

Many wise people have spoken of change.

Because things are the way they are, things will not stay the way they are. (Bertolt Brecht)

Change alone is eternal, perpetual, immortal. (Arthur Schopenhauer)

Change is inevitable - except from a vending machine. ( Robert C. Gallagher)

Christians are supposed not merely to endure change, nor even to profit by it, but to cause it. (Harry Emerson Fosdick)

If we don't change, we don't grow. If we don't grow, we aren't really living. (Gail Sheehy)

They must often change, who would be constant in happiness or wisdom. (Confucius)

If you like these, here are a million more.

Change

This morning the weather is changing. It had to happen. It always does. We have seasons; the weather changes.

Change is one of those things we both dread and embrace. Most of us admit to a twinge of fear when change is imminent. And yet, if everything stayed the same, we'd all be looking to inject some change into our lives, our homes, our habits, our selves. It's a paradox, isn't it?

I'm busy just now getting ready for the Retiree's Retreat happening next week at Camp Noronto. (Find the information here) This means I'm reading up for some in-depth conversations about the Sacraments. One thing I'm learning is that change is inherent in any serious thinking about sacraments. Danny Belrose, in his text "Vulnerable to Grace" reminds us:

Participation in the sacraments presupposes that there will be change in understanding, attitude, and behaviour by the worshipper.

In other words, it's why we DO sacrament--to make us different!

The kind of words we use for this type of change are more like transformation, redemption, renewal, growth but all those words mean change in some positive and hopeful way.

It seems to be human nature to be apprehensive about changes that happen to us. Let's try to imagine all the wonderful changes that come with growth and regeneration and sacrament.

Rocks

Driving to and from the near north this weekend I was struck by the beauty of all that rock! Roads continue to be pushed through granite and whatever, exposing layers and colours and striations to reveal the movement of earth in ancient times. Nothing is ever just level, it seems.

A couple of rock-related items. It has become the fashion to erect little inukshuks on what appears to be every accessible rock peak, and several that seem un-accessible! These little critters have migrated out of Arctic landscapes and line all the rocky highways and byways it seems.

Of course there are also the perennial painted announcements that Clare & Enid, or Bobbie & Ryan or even the Class of '07 were there!

My current musings on these phenomena is that they're connected with identity.

"I was here!" they proclaim. And since this rock isn't going anywhere
"I am important!"
"I am connected to this solid piece of the earth--and don't you forget it, the rest of you mortals who pass this way."

"OK," think I, "I see your mark and I salute you!"