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Fom the Pastor’s Study:
In the past few Sundays we have been exploring some of the most common of Jesus’ parables. The first parable was about forgiveness, and how we should pay forward the goodness and mercy we receive from God. The following week we talked about the parable of the hired laborers. The generous land owner who deployed and treated equal all the laborers represents God’s generosity. The lesson invites us to follow God’s example by being generous with all that we have, particularly our gifts, talents and our genuine support for those who want to serve.
This past Sunday we looked at another vineyard parable; the father and his two sons. The lesson captures an invitation to not be afraid of a change of mind and a change of heart when our yes will benefit the whole community.
On September 18, I have to confess, I was about to change my mind, and not ride the
motorcycle. However, I convinced myself that the motorcycle ride was going to be
very short, just to the Quabbin. Pat even offered to take my place; thank you Pat.
Then she said to me, “believe me, you will love it”. Stanley Langford was so good
in helping me to overcome my fear with his gentle assurance that it was going to
be fine, he has been riding for 44 years. I put on the beautiful T-
Well, my dear friends, not only did we go to the Quabbin, but we all went to Barre to see The Cross at Harty Road. This time we were joined by another couple on a motorcycle Rick and Julie (yes, our Julie, the Music Director!),
Fay, Jasmine and Radames followed us in the car.
We had a wonderful experience; Stan led us to a place where we all were able to contemplate the beauty of a very special sacred ground. He also shared with me his own spiritual journey and how Justin Martin helped him to get back to a closer relationship with Christ. We all walked the grounds in awe. We all lifted to the heavens our own silent prayers. At the well, we even remember our baptism and tasted the water recalling the words of Jesus to the Samaritan woman, whoever drinks from this water will never be thirsty. Then, as we were leaving, we met the owner John P. Harty, Sr. He told us that the new parking lot was going to be named after Justin Martin. While listening to John, I sensed a very gentle soul in this humble man, who trusted the inspiration he received from God in the open field of his farm. e asked if we could pray the Lord’s Prayer. We all held hands connecting soul with soul and with God. I was so thankful for such a gift. We did this ride as a fundraiser for our fuel in the winter, and we did pretty good, thank you so much for all your contributions. But I believe we gained more than that, we all were blessed. At the center of the gigantic cross, which reads “Love thy God with thy whole heart”, I received confirmation in my spirit that our church is going to be fine, we are going to make it financially, despite the world economic crisis. Our “yes” in obedience and trust in God will allow us to meet our responsibilities and even help others in need. Praise God!
God is with us, I know that we often worry. But, right there, on holy ground, among friends and dedicated people who love this church very dearly, I heard God’s encouragement. Yes! we can try something new with our talents. Yes! we can be freer with the way we use our time! Yes! we can give even beyond our tithe and apportion giving to meet our missional tasks and keep a vibrant ministry growing. Yes, we can!
Remember, God’s economy works a little bit different than the secular. In God’s economy all are able to give. Including the very poor. How? We all give our hearts! Our whole selves, and if we all give ourselves the harvest will be plentiful. Last Fall I collected from our little children pledges of 50 cents up to $1.00. Praise be to God!
Last week, I invited you to discern what God is calling you to do this year for the church, where is God inviting you to use your gifts and talents. During this couple of months in the fall, I am inviting you to evaluate your giving, how you are doing with the blessings you are receiving from God even in the midst of scarcity? Have you been like the second son, you promise to give, but for whatever reason are not able to fulfill your pledge, or perhaps you would like to be like the first son , who said no I can’t, but now wants to change your mind because God has been good to you even under the most difficult of circumstances?
Contemplate and evaluate your spiritual discipline of giving! Please do not hesitate to call me if you have questions or wonder about the “how to” of your personal stewardship. Who knows maybe you will be commissioned to be in a stewardship team who will work not for a month but for the whole year encouraging, supporting, praising and counting the fruits of extravagant generosity in our congregation!
Love, Pastor Aida
Ps. By the way, I am ready for the next dare, let’s talk!
