St Ignatius of Antioch Episcopal Church -

At the beginning of this month I preached a sermon that centred upon one of the creation stories from Genesis. Perhaps I made this choice to avoid getting into a pickle, as my wife calls it, talking about Mark’s understanding of marriage. More likely, I discussed the creation story from Genesis because that narrative has profound meaning for me personally. Again and again I am struck by the truth we find there: not, of course, its truth as “science,” but rather its truth, its profound truth in revealing the relationship between God and humankind. I am entranced by the story of God creating the world, taking delight in what he has made, and giving it over to human beings so we might take care of it all on behalf of the one who made it and who loves it. God made us to care for creation. God made us to love the world that he made just as much as he loves it. In that same sermon I quoted the phrase of the twentieth-century philosopher Charles Hartshorne that we were created by God to serve as “conscious trustees for cosmic ends.” All that we have been given and all that we have, we hold in trust for God. All that we have been given and all that we have shall belong to the next generation of God’s children, who will in turn exercise their care for it all.

In good times and in bad times, God calls us to care for Creation. God calls us to be trustees, of this world, of our own bodies, of our time, and of the gifts that we have been given, including the money that we have earned as a result of how we steward the resources of our skills and talents. In good times and bad times we need to make choices about how we are to allocate the gifts we have been given. We are called to discern those places that are most important to us and to our families, that have a special place in our hearts as part of God’s work of love and reconciliation. We do this because we have a responsibility to act in this way and we do this also out of thanksgiving and out of love.

The past year has been tumultuous and just a year ago we were all left wondering how the economy would affect us. Understandably, many of us cut back on our expenses out of fear. At that time I reflected the hope that the current climate would help us all refocus on those things that are truly important to us, those places in our lives that mean the most to us, and for which we are truly grateful. I can not tell you how gratified I and our lay leadership have been at the ways in which you all continued to support this your church. Through tough times, you did not let us down. You kept contributing to the life of Saint Ignatius, often contributing sacrificially. You have shown us again and again that Saint Ignatius—its liturgy and music, its outreach and hospitality, its ministry of pastoral care—is important to you, is a place that you believe should exist, thrive, and grow.

In this spirit, I would ask each and every one of you to pray carefully about what you will pledge for the coming year (here you will find a printable, mail-in pledge card for 2010). I especially encourage those of you who can to consider increasing your pledge, or at least restoring it to the levels at which you were giving before the “Crash.” We also hope that those who did not make a formal pledge will consider making one, especially those of you who already give, and give generously, on a regular basis. Each person making a financial pledge for the coming year helps us determine our budget so that we can continue our important work together. Regardless of the amount of money you pledge, I hope that you will continue the pledge you make with your bodies to come and worship, receive the Sacrament, and participate in our ministries.

In the coming weeks you will be hearing from a member of the Stewardship Committee who will wish not only to discuss your financial support for Saint Ignatius, but will want to hear how you feel about the life and work of the parish and know what gifts and talents you may have to share. Please receive this person warmly and do not hesitate to be in touch with me or the Stewardship Committee Chairman, if you have any questions or concerns.

With all my warmest wishes, I am,

Faithfully yours,

Andrew C. Blume+
Rector