“[Jesus] looked up and saw rich people putting their gifts into the treasury; he also saw a poor widow put in two small copper coins. He said, ‘Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them, for all of them have contributed out of their abundance, but she out of her poverty has put in all she had to live on.’”(Luke 21:1-4)
“The session has [the] responsibility and power to… [encourage] the graces of generosity and faithful stewardship of personal and financial resources…” (PCUSA, Book of Order)
Years ago, a colleague from the Mon Valley told a story about Stewardship Sunday at his church. It was the custom at this church for members to come forward during the offering and place their yearly financial pledge cards in a basket which lay on the Communion Table. My friend said he noticed that one of the older members (one of the most faithful donors) slowly walked to the front of the church from “her” pew in the back but didn’t place anything in the basket. He knew her well enough to ask after worship if everything was OK. The woman replied, “We’ve had a tough time with finances this year so I couldn’t make a definite financial commitment for the coming year.” The Pastor told her she didn’t need to get out of her pew to walk all the way down the aisle for nothing. She replied, “Oh, I still made a pledge. I recommitted my whole life to God.”
Charitable giving to the Church took a real hit during and after the pandemic. Some estimates say churches experienced 30% less income during this period. Open Door has seen a similar drop: in 2018 there were approximately 60 donors and in 2024 there are approx. 40 donors. The financial status of the church will be a topic of discussion at the gathering after worship 4/28.
It’s clear new practices must be put in place to counter this trend. Financial stewardship should be emphasized not as a way to “pay the bills” but as an expression of faithful commitment to ministry and mission. “The road to Hell is paved with god intentions” goes the adage. A new practice is needed.
And along with a stewardship practice there should be the practice of hospitality–welcoming and inviting people to Open Door who are not in formal covenant. Israel and the Church are commanded to care for the stranger, the immigrant, “non-church” persons. Intentionally seeking connections with the larger community beyond Open Door should be a practice, a habit developed through regular activities.
Every morning I read a devotional from Fr. Rich Rohr’s Center for Action and Contemplation. Note the title and sequence of words. Action precedes contemplation. “Go and serve the Lord.”