Some months ago Mary Ann Brown sent this letter to
me in response to a conversation she and I had had about the planning then
taking place for a Capital Campaign. I asked Mary Ann if she would let me share
her letter with the congregation and she very graciously agreed. Her letter
follows:
“I am like many of the members of our
congregation—a retired senior, living on a fixed income. We don’t have lot of discretionary cash and
what we do have many of us already give in the regular offering or through our
time, talents, and enthusiasm. But I
have been reflecting on a few of the gifts I’ve received from MPC in the four
plus years here.
- A worshipful space to grow closer to God
- A weekly message to spiritually recharge me
- A community that challenges my faith and helps me grow
- Opportunities to lead and serve in roles that bring me satisfaction and fulfillment
- Beautiful music
- Some of my best friendships
- Bible study, and circle, prayer shawl group
- Laughter and joy
- Watching the youth and children grow in their faith is an inspiration to my soul ….and that’s just a beginning.
Wish though I might, all the time and talent I give
won’t provide a suitable roof, new and adequate heating and cooling systems,
much needed technology additions and improvements, improved access to the
building, furniture replacements, and other needs too numerous to mention. And
my yearly pledge, which helps support church operations, mission, and outreach,
isn’t enough to address these deferred and continuing maintenance needs.
With visible issues like the homeless, the hungry,
and the injustice all around us, I sometimes wonder where my offering would
make the most impact. Giving to MPC may
not be as direct as giving to a homeless shelter, or justice organizations, but
then I think about the ways our facility is a beacon for hope and provision in
this community… Our Early Learning Center, housing the English As A Second
Language Program, providing meeting space for social service organizations, the
music organizations from schools and community programs, our sanctuary, which
welcome all for worship, warmth and spiritual uplifting, friendship, and a
caring loving congregation.
So to me, “church” is not a monolithic institution, and building of stone and steel. It’s a dynamic group of people giving one another gifts of the spirit. My pledge (no matter what amount) to the MPC Capital Campaign will help preserve a facility that welcomes others in to experience what we’ve found here. At the same time, our gifts will help sustain a space for us to renew and transform ourselves for the work God calls us to do. In that context, giving is far from an obligation. It is a joy!
Will you join me? Mary Ann Brown.”
To Mary Ann’s words I would add just these: thank you and amen!
Grace & peace,
Pastor Skip
