Chapel of the Cross, Chapel Hill, NC

Why does our family give to the church? I expected that something philosophical or deep would come to mind. Instead, I was surprised that what popped into my head were thoughts about my grandparents and parents. Unbeknownst to them, they taught me that giving to the church goes much deeper than just coming up with the pledge amount each year.

My grandparents taught me that supporting the church is a lifelong proposition. They were the most dedicated church goers I have ever known. There came a time, though, when they could no longer get to church. But they continued to give and never considered reducing their pledge just because they could not physically make it through the church doors. They also taught me to look at the 'big picture' of what the church is doing. I remember their church experienced many changes, some of which I now realize they were not too thrilled about. But through all of the changes, they continued to give. They also taught me that giving should have no boundaries. My grandparents were Southern Baptist, but their three children became Presbyterian, Methodist, and Episcopalian. I was always impressed that each time they visited one of their children's churches they dropped money in the offering plate like it was their own church.

My parents taught me that it is important to give to the church through the tough times as well as the good times. While I was growing up, I always thought my family had a good bit of money because we never went without. It was only later that I realized my parents were just doing a really good job of hiding the financial burdens of caring for three children and later putting all three through college. It would have been easy for them only to give to the church when they felt financially comfortable. Instead, I remember that each week we went to church, they put that white envelope in the offering plate.

As our family gets ready to pledge for 2006, I will think about the lessons I learned from my grandparents and parents. I will also think about what lessons about giving to the church I'd like passed on to my children.

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