Page 5 - Presbyterian Connection Newspaper

Connection
PRESBYTERIANS SHARING
Transformed by Generosity
PRESBYTERIAN
5
presbyterian.ca
WINTER 2018
Theological Education by Extension in Malawi
Proclaiming the love of Jesus Christ
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By Karen Plater,
Stewardship and Planned Giving
I’ve been reading Mark Petersen’s book Love Giving Well: The Pilgrim- age of Philanthropy. It’s a powerful book and reminds me that growing in generosity is a countercultural jour- ney in a society that celebrates the accumulation of stuff and too often celebrates “me” and “more.” Peters- en proposes that the best antidote to consumerism and materialism is to give generously to others. It’s some- thing we can all do. Everyone has something to share.
One of the encouraging things about working in the PCC’s Stew- ardship & Planned Giving office is experiencing generosity—and seeing these countercultural messages— first-hand.
I see generosity in congregations that strive to support our common ministry through Presbyterians Shar- ing. It is exhilarating to see their gifts flow in, particularly at year end.
I also see generosity when I read stories and reports about ministries supported by these gifts. In this is- sue, you can learn about Action Réfugiés Montréal, where financial gifts are complemented by dedicated staff and volunteers who work hours beyond their call, giving selflessly to help people who have been trau- matized by war, oppression and dis- placement. Greeting refugee claim- ants with a listening ear, a phone card and sound advice on how to navigate Canada’s complex refugee system is another countercultural message in
our increasingly polarized world.
I often see Presbyterians coming together to generously give time out of their busy lives. As they brain- storm, share their opinions, mentor to one another and make decisions on issues ranging from church doc- trine to architecture to finance to justice, these volunteers generously help our church act as one in faith
and hope.
Encouraging generosity was one
of the topics of a recent PCC stew- ardship webinar. (You can find the webinars online at presbyterian. ca/webinars including previous re- cordings.) As we examined how we might talk about money in the way that Jesus does, the webinar re- minded us that the New Testament doesn’t have laws about giving, but challenges us to learn to give with the same wholehear ted generos- ity that we see in Jesus. We talked about some biblical principles be- hind ways to give and were encour- aged that the tithe—the practice of giving 10% of your harvest to God— can be a wonder ful benchmark for intentional, regular and propor tional giving. When asked about whether to tithe on net or gross income, the presenter suggested to star t with the lower, work to the higher and keep going!
As we rush towards Christmas, I wonder how generosity can make the season more meaningful, when already I feel tired just thinking about the decorating, baking, shopping and special church services that will emerge. At times the magic of
gift giving—which is supposed to be a generous act—is lost among the frantic rush. Perhaps the key is remembering that Christmas isn’t about what we buy, but how we live our lives to reflect Jesus’ generous life of love. I am reminded that while Jesus spent time alone in prayer and reflection, we most often find him hanging out with people—listen- ing, serving, healing, helping, walk- ing with people and contemplating together the big questions in life. Maybe reclaiming the generosity of the season means letting go of the obsessive “to-do” list and slowing down to take time to be together in community. Talk about countercul- tural!
Being together in community is really at the hear t of Presbyterians Sharing. When we join together to share Christ’s message, as we equip one another, suppor t one an- other, speak out for the voiceless, care for people, welcome the stran- ger and teach about love, faith and hope, we are proclaiming the good news of the Gospel. And somehow God works through us, and Christ’s love shines through. Maybe that’s the most countercultural message of all.
Wishing you a Christmas filled with the joy of generosity and the gift of God’s grace and peace.
Presbyterians Sharing supports the mission and ministry of The Presbyterian Church in Canada. Visit presbyterian.ca/sharing
to learn more.
Ken MacQuarrie (centre) chair of the Stewards by Design committee, mentored a team from Fort St. John Presbyterian Church in BC.