by parishioner Iris Bart-Williams
I learned as a child in Freetown, Sierra Leone to give to our church, College Chapel. I watched my parents give generously, including pledging our home with other trustees, to rebuild College Chapel.
As a teenager, I committed to practicing what I saw my parents do. Four friends and I raised money for cassocks, surplices and mitres for our church’s first female choristers, of which all of us were members.
This was one of my greatest accomplishments in life. I felt I was called to do a task, and with God’s help and the help of my friends, I was able to accomplish it.
Malachi 3:7 encouraged me to give when I was an adult: “Return to me and I will return to you” says the Lord. When I was unemployed and thought I did not have much to give, God blessed me with more than I could imagine, including a job! God has continued to bless me with more than enough to give to the church.
When I relocated to the U.S., my husband Chris introduced me to Episcopal worship at cathedrals in New York and Washington. After Chris relocated to Georgia in 2018, I followed. The first thing he told me was that he had found a cathedral. I met clergy and members of the congregation who made me feel welcome. Since then, I have encountered many others with whom Chris and I have warm relationships here at the Cathedral.
Deuteronomy 16:17 says “Everyman shall give as he is able according to the blessing of the Lord your God which He has given you.” This is a gift of love in thankfulness for his generosity and grace.
Please join Iris and Chris in pledging to the Cathedral by visiting cathedralATL.org/pledge or for questions regarding your pledge, contact David Rocchio, drocchio@cathedralATL.org, or 404-365-1033.