November 15, 2022
November 15, 2022
Earliest memory in worship? Tell me yours when I see you, please.
Mine is likely 66 or 67 years ago. Trinity Lutheran, Swissvale (urban Pittsburgh), PA. My grandparents’ church. I had been baptized there five or six years earlier. I had been in worship often before that, but this had that memorable old wood gothic feel (and smell.)
My grandmother gave me two dimes that morning, one to give to Jesus in worship and one for me. While I wasn’t at all sure which dime was which, I knew that I better not lose the one that belonged to Jesus before “going to church.” Thanks be to God, at the right moment and against all odds, with usher waiting and Grandma smiling, “Little Jimmy” proudly produced the coin and put it in the offering plate. Proudly? Yes. And, also yes, my other hand knew where the other dime was!
Our worship has changed as the world has changed. Today all loose coins and bills received in the offering plate in worship are shared with local missions, specifically to create kitchen kits for LSS Choices for victims of domestic violence. Ann and I, however, contribute through the Breeze app at Prince of Peace, and by check at Clinton Heights Lutheran where we are members. Sundays when we are at Prince of Peace, we simply smile at the usher who has learned to pass us by. Checks and direct giving would have astounded my Grandma but they make up the largest percentage of support for this church. Thank you!
But I’m pretty sure my Grandma is smiling regardless of the delivery vehicle for our giving to Jesus through the church. That dime (x 2!) was not a small sum for my grandfolks, who had multiple grandchildren and lived in a public housing project. The ministry of the church was important to her; she sweetly and sacrificially passed that importance to the generations that followed her.
I’ve worried from time to time that others, especially our children, don’t see us giving to the church even when we are. The power of example goes such a long way in teaching. How we share our money, with God and others can speak for years and years to come.
This Sunday in worship we will receive financial commitments (pledges) for the coming year. Every member is invited to return a completed “estimate of giving card” in worship this weekend. It’s a moment of faithful intention regarding our blessings. If you live with others, it is an opportunity to teach as well. Giving is an act of worship indeed.
We’ve been asked to pray this prayer before making and returning our pledges this Sunday:
Lord, you have blessed me. Help me use
what I have been given as a blessing
for the work of your church. Amen
I’ve been doing that, and I’m thankful the Spirit has reminded me of some things in the process. First, I started out with nothing and so far I still have most of it. Second, everything I do have was given to me. With a lot of love and generosity. Third, I couldn’t tell you what I did with that other dime 66 or 67 years ago. And, Fourth, oh my, my, I still remember how good it felt to give Jesus the dime that been given to me.
Pastor Jim