By Meg Amouroux, Sr. Warden
I remember back when I was very young, maybe 8-9 years old, going to church with my parents and siblings. Every week, dad wrote a check and put it in white envelope, sometimes letting me drop it in the collection plate. We kids also had our own offering envelopes, about the size of business card, so we could contribute as well. I remember wanting to emulate my parent’s giving, and it made me feel good to give my dime or quarter, to help people. At that age, it never occurred to me the details of how it helped anyone, after I dropped it in the plate.
And so with age comes wisdom. I’ve learned that my offering alone can only do so much, but when collected with others, it can do great things. Together, we can provide a place of comfort and faith. Together, we can reach out to those in need, we can provide a meal, or a helping hand. Together, we can bring people together to celebrate life’s joys, and we can comfort each other when we feel defeated or broken. People coming together, using their bounty to provide a place and a means for us and our neighbors to love our neighbors as Christ loves us: this is how I see the people and mission of St. James’.
By divine design, Fremont is where I landed, after a roundabout journey. By even more divine design, I landed at St. James’, on a day when I was very broken. I remember exactly where I sat, in the Little Church that day. Today, I give to St. James’ because this community helped me, by being here. This community listened to me, gave me a direction, helped me build my faith, and before long, I was able be one of the helpers myself. If people before me had not given their financial support to ensure this place would be here when I needed it back in 2003, there’s no telling how my life would have turned out. I give to St. James’ because, with all my heart, I want it to continue to be here for anyone who needs to grieve, celebrate, share, build, learn, grow, and love.