Practice the Tithe

Save the date: July 10, 2022

Like a butterfly emerging from a chrysalis, every Christian is called to a life of transformation, to more clearly reflect the image of the risen Jesus. Every aspect of our lives is included -- all we are, everything we have, all the time. The Book of Common Prayer refers to this when we offer to God "ourselves, our souls and bodies." We also talk about all our "time, talent, and treasure" as being given to us by God's grace. So as we are transformed into the image of Christ, we serve and share with others as ambassadors of Christ. As the old prayer puts it: "All things come of thee O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee.

The Letter of James reminds us: “every generous act of giving with every perfect gift comes from our loving Father". In other words, even the gifts we give from a generous heart express the goodness and kindness of God who is generous through us!

What Is The Tithe?

Financial giving is an integral part of what it means to be a Christian. In the Episcopal Church, the tithe, or 10% of our financial resources are meant to be the sacrificial gift we make to the ministry of Christ through our church. While some of us have not obtained that standard, many have. The amount of money isn't key, the percentage is. What percentage of your finances do you offer to God through the work of your congregation?

An Extra Step In Faith

Each summer at St. John's we offer an opportunity to engage in a special spiritual practice of financial giving called "Practice the Tithe". This is one way we can take an extra step in faith we may not feel able to make every week in addition to your normal financial pledge to St. John's. When all of us give to the level we are capable, we will make a significant impact on the ability of the cathedral to do ministry within the congregation and through our outreach to the wider community.

Give The Gift

Here’s how to participate: (1) Determine your weekly income; (2 ) Take 10% of that amount; (3) Make your donation online through our website www.stjohnsla.org and select "Practice the Tithe" or you can also place your donation in person, on July 10 or any time during the campaign, there will be envelopes on the welcome table.

Be Part Of This Integral Ministry

There may be some among us who have not made a financial pledge for this year as yet. We invite you to join in with the rest of the community to be a part of this integral ministry. As you make this offering, know that it represents the action of the Holy Spirit helping to transform your life into the sacrificial image of Christ to serve the world. As St. Paul envisioned it: Christ in you, the hope of glory.