A Message from the Interim Dean and Priest-in-Charge

Dear Siblings in Christ,

We are approaching that time of year when we are invited to recommit our time and resources to support our beloved church, St. John’s Cathedral. Our stewardship campaign this year is being led by Mrs. Linda Brown and Mr. Arnie Ree. You will receive a letter from them soon.

For now, I am writing with a sincere question for you, and an invitation to give time and thought to the meaning of it all: Why do you give to church?

Some might say because scripture teaches us to give. Other members might say to support the mission and ministry of the church. There are many other members who might give out of a sense of obligation, guilt, joy, gratitude or another emotion attached to sharing what we have earned.

For all of you who might give from a place of duty, I want to relieve you from that heavy weight. Jesus was invitational. He invites us to know and love God. He invites us to grow in faith. Jesus invites us to follow a way of being that is life-giving. Jesus wants us to know that we are loved unconditionally for being who we were born to be. He affirms that we are more than enough.

Giving to the church is not about being married or buried, and certainly not for a ticket to heaven or a vote.

Giving to the church is about being part of a community of faith that gives graciously to support each other, and gives to proclaim God’s love. It’s a way of life that cannot be bought. Rather, it’s sharing what we have earned to express our heartfelt gratitude and give thanks; it’s a way of living that begins at the heart of it all, from within and then allows God to shine brightly in a world that can feel overwhelming.

While it is true, that after his death and resurrection, Jesus commanded his followers to proclaim God’s good news to all who will hear and listen. It’s also true that the disciples and followers who led the way gave all that they earned or possessed to support this radical new community and way of knowing God.

The early church gave to support each other, they gave to spread the good news of Christ, they gave to respond to the needs of the church community within and beyond, they gave to heal the brokenhearted, to learn and share the teachings of Jesus, and to live fully into God’s call of us. They gave because they wanted to give, and everyone offered what they had to give.

Jesus had lots to say about money – mostly about how it gets in the way of being true to heart. The notion of giving our first fruits, giving to God first, is in the bible; as is tithing, which is giving 10% of your income. Most of us do not abide by either of these teachings.

But what if all of us gave from the heart, prioritize our lives (to the best of our ability) to reflect our true love of God, and express gratitude to the church for inviting us to know and grow in relationship with God?

I believe that St. John’s would have all that it needs to shine the light of Christ in the city of Los Angeles and beyond, allowing us to grow in faith, and inviting others to do the same. I give thanks for you.

With love and gratitude,

Anne+

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