St James has been my family’s church home for eighteen years. During that time we have been pledging members for seventeen of them. We give to St. James because it is our responsibility to do so. We see it in the same light as providing our children a home, paying our taxes and supporting those who are not as fortunate as ourselves. Simply put, it is our duty as responsible Christian people. We have been through very difficult times, including losing our house and jobs but it never occurred to us to cut out pledging, just as it never occurred to us not to find a place for our family to live and feed our children. It is not the amount that is important but the principle of giving back to God.
When we go to St. James on Sundays we see many familiar faces and friends. I feel at home and know that I can bring our happiest and saddest moments there. St. James is a place of peace yet invigoration, where God’s people care for everyone. Knowing that the Episcopal church is not financially supported by anyone other than the members of each congregation, it is the responsibility of those members to provide the finances necessary to run the church. If we do not take on that responsibility, who will? There is a great satisfaction in knowing that we have met our obligations and done our part to the best of our ability. Giving is an act of joy and a way of giving thanks to God for the abundance of our lives.