Beloved friends,
During the last 4 weeks of October this year we are leaning into a time to reflect of what it means to be a part of Trinity; a progressive, inclusive, creative community of faith. One of the responses of that time of reflection will be to respond to the call to make a financial pledge for 2023.
Each week we will hear from our Co-chairs, Trinity members Jeffrey Albright and Kim Buehler as well as take in Impact stories from the membership articulating why Trinity is a place they have chosen to invest in through time and commitment and financial support.
Additionally, in this space we will share different perspectives on this year’s theme, “More than Enough” offered by voices from around the country in our denomination through the work of the Episcopal Network for Stewardship (tens.org).
May this time be rich and generative as together we say yes to the invitation to give generously in response to all the blessings we receive.
May you never forget that you are loved,
Lisa
Giving and Receiving
By Fr Malcolm French, SCP, Rector of St. Simon’s Anglican Church, Oakville, ON in the Diocese of Niagara. He has previously served parishes in western Canada and in Aotearoa New Zealand. He was also a Royal Canadian Navy (Reserve) officer for 25 years.
In his excellent book Being Christian, former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams draws this lesson from the story of Zacchaeus:
Jesus is not only someone who exercises hospitality; he draws out hospitality from others. By his welcome, he makes other people capable of welcoming. And that wonderful alternation in the Gospels between Jesus giving hospitality and receiving hospitality shows us something absolutely essential…
Now, I’m probably alone in this, but Archbishop Rowan’s comment made me think about the Royal Canadian Navy Manual of Naval Etiquette. The Manual outlines a first and second aim of proper etiquette:
The first aim of proper etiquette is “the consistent demonstration of thoughtfulness and consideration for the wellbeing of others.” . . .
The second aim of proper etiquette is “the gracious acceptance of reciprocation.”
Only a mutual, interactive process of kindness and decency will allow mutual trust, respect and friendship to flourish.
Not only does God give us his extraordinary gift of grace, but he graciously accepts our reciprocation.
This reciprocation, however, is not a quid pro quo. The relative value of God’s gifts to us and our gifts to God are nowhere near equal. The graciousness of a person of wealth and privilege will look very different from the graciousness of a person who is poor or otherwise marginalized. Yet though the fare at the poor person’s table may not be the haute cuisine we would expect from the tables of the wealthy, who would be so churlish as to complain? The simple stew was likely a greater sacrifice for the poor host than the steak and lobster was for the wealthy. And like the widow’s mite, it is appreciated all the more.
Our God is not content to be merely the dispenser of largesse. Our God seeks a relationship with us. In order for that relationship – that friendship – to flourish, the God who is so generous with us graciously accepts our reciprocation.