Friends,

A mental game I like to play sometimes goes like this: If someone gave you $15,000, no strings attached, what would you do with it?

$15k isn't enough to buy a brand new car or finish your basement. But it's more than enough to take a fabulous vacation. For many of us, $15,000 would make a huge dent in our credit card debt, or refill an emergency fund. If you're on a limited income or looking for work, if you aren't being paid during the shutdown, that amount of money would make a massive impact in your ability to sleep at night. Many in our community would be better able to meet basic needs—to eat and pay for childcare and medication and rent—with that amount of money.

So, if the wealth fairy visited you with a stack of cash: What would you do with it? This hypothetical gift game challenges my values about how I tend to my family's needs and long-term interests, as I become more aware of the needs of my neighbors and community.

Last Sunday, the Rev. Larry Bussey preached, sharing a story of his own work to use his money as a sacramental tool to help heal and restore issues he cares about. He wrestled with the texts from Jeremiah and from Luke, and wove in his experience at the No Kings rally last Saturday. You can listen to the sermon here.

All of us have financial stresses and obligations, and some of them are very different from others. That's why you'll see on our pledge card this year a box to acknowledge "I'm giving more this year knowing there are many in our faith community that have fewer financial resources at this time." If you're struggling this year, we want you to know that this community has your back. And if you aren't struggling, perhaps your gift can help bridge the gap for someone else.

With love,
Susan+

Tags: Money, giving, Rev Larry