"From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded." --Luke 12:48 (NRSV)
Did you see the little article in the August 22 edition of The Concord Monitor? It says that New Hampshire residents gave 2.5 percent of income to charitable causes in 2008. This puts us at the bottom of all the states. We ranked 51 out of the 50 states plus the District of Columbia. We might take some consolation in the fact that Maine (50), Vermont (49), and Massachusetts (48), were in the same sorry boat. But we were at the bottom.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, New Hampshire ranked 7th in median household income in 2008. There are, of course, higher and lower salaries here, but the fact is that we are not a poor people. In the faith community, we believe it is God who provides for us in abundance. We have been given much.
I wonder if those who were gathered in our Congregational churches in New Hampshire could have started and sustained those congregations by giving 2.5 percent. I have a hunch that they had to give more of their income, their goods, and themselves. There was a sacrifice in their service. Much was required.
Is it any wonder that many of our congregations struggle so to "survive" now? We no longer pray to "thrive" in our mission. We settle, if we can, simply for survival. Maintaining aging church buildings, paying a living wage for clergy salaries and benefits, and the increasing cost of utilities - all create anxiety and leave us diminished.
So what does following Jesus mean for us? For our communities of ministry and mission--our churches? For our wider church covenant, i.e. the United Church of Christ?
What is required of me?
O God of generous faith, hope, and love,
with gratitude for the great gift that has been entrusted to me,
so open my heart and hands (and checkbook) that I may give.
Amen.
Did you see the little article in the August 22 edition of The Concord Monitor? It says that New Hampshire residents gave 2.5 percent of income to charitable causes in 2008. This puts us at the bottom of all the states. We ranked 51 out of the 50 states plus the District of Columbia. We might take some consolation in the fact that Maine (50), Vermont (49), and Massachusetts (48), were in the same sorry boat. But we were at the bottom.
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, New Hampshire ranked 7th in median household income in 2008. There are, of course, higher and lower salaries here, but the fact is that we are not a poor people. In the faith community, we believe it is God who provides for us in abundance. We have been given much.
I wonder if those who were gathered in our Congregational churches in New Hampshire could have started and sustained those congregations by giving 2.5 percent. I have a hunch that they had to give more of their income, their goods, and themselves. There was a sacrifice in their service. Much was required.
Is it any wonder that many of our congregations struggle so to "survive" now? We no longer pray to "thrive" in our mission. We settle, if we can, simply for survival. Maintaining aging church buildings, paying a living wage for clergy salaries and benefits, and the increasing cost of utilities - all create anxiety and leave us diminished.
So what does following Jesus mean for us? For our communities of ministry and mission--our churches? For our wider church covenant, i.e. the United Church of Christ?
What is required of me?
O God of generous faith, hope, and love,
with gratitude for the great gift that has been entrusted to me,
so open my heart and hands (and checkbook) that I may give.
Amen.
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