An article from the Cathedral Times
by the Very Reverend Samuel G. Candler,
Dean of the Cathedral of St. Philip
Ward Bondurant, one of the co-chairs of our Stewardship Committee, had it right when he spoke to our worship services last Sunday: "It's Stewardship Sunday, and timing is everything!"
Stewardship Sunday is an annual effort for all of us in church life. Throughout the country, church leaders are appealing to members and friends to make a generous pledge for the 2009 year. For me, it is a regular and calm routine; it is often fun and joyful.
But, as you know, these days are not regular and calm. During the Fall of 2008, I know that members and friends are worried about the economy, about global markets, and about your own financial security.
We are all watching: watching the news, watching our interest payments, watching our jobs, watching one another, for some glimmer of hope or good news.
In this anxious time, do I dare ask you to pledge generously, to make generous financial gifts, to the Cathedral of St. Philip? Yes, I do. For I believe we are meant to be "watchers and holy ones" during this time. We are meant to pay attention, to make realistic decisions, for sure. But we are also meant to be holy. We are meant to be "Watchers and Holy Ones," as the old hymn says.What can stop the massive instability that the world is experiencing in global markets? In short, you can. You can choose to be stable in an unstable world. I urge you to do that: to find your stability in the deep faith and deep hope of Jesus in this uncertain time.
Stability is one of the primary gifts that the Cathedral of St. Philip offers the world. When other institutions run amok with anxiety, the Cathedral is meant to continue a stable pattern or prayer, education, worship, fellowship, service, and mission to the world. You know that pattern. Doubtless, it was one feature of that pattern that drew you to the Cathedral in the first place.
The Cathedral of St. Philip has been a beacon of hope and stability during uncertain times before. Even during the challenging economic times of the past year, we have grown in membership and in pledged income. We are growing because people need us. And, this year, people will need us even more.
In short, the world needs us. And the Cathedral of St. Philip needs you! Your investment -your financial investment"”in the Cathedral will produce the fruit of righteousness and peace. Please pledge generously, and please join our stable life of prayer and service and mission.
Some among you have never made a financial pledge to the Cathedral. Some of you give, but do not pledge. Maybe you have good reasons. But this year, we need that pledge more than ever. That is how our Chapter and Staff plan responsibly for the coming year. You can always increase or decrease your pledge if circumstances change.
Again, the world needs the Cathedral of St. Philip; and the Cathedral of St. Philip needs you. Consider making a dramatic investment this next year. Aim for the goal of giving ten per cent of your income away. That ten per cent is called a "tithe," and it is the ancient discipline of making sure that money is not your idol. When we can give money away freely, we reinforce the truth that money does not have control over us. Rather, we have control over our money. We are here for the life of the world. Watch for it! And be holy. Thanks.
The Very Rev. Sam Candler