A reflection from Martin Ericson

Over the past weeks, we have expressed our gratitude for what All Saints’ brings to us – for how we worship, our sacred spaces, our programs and groups, and our community engagement.

Before that, we had a Gratitude Gathering where we enjoyed a delicious breakfast and heard from our Junior Warden Rhonda Kovar and Randy Brantley, a Vestry member who is serving as Campaign Coordinator for the second year. We made a paper chain for things for which we are grateful.

What I remember most from that gathering is Randy’s talk. Support for All Saint’s ministry and mission is a good form of “regifting.” How is this true?

The paychecks I receive and now retirement income, as I am now of that age, all come in my name. Upon reflection, I go back to what Father Jim Bernacki has written:

As we look at the tithe, the question shouldn’t be “Can I afford to give or work toward giving 10% of my time, talent, and treasure to the Lord?” It should be “Can I live on 90% of what our generous and loving God has given me?”

If we understand that our material and spiritual gifts are really God’s gifts “on loan to us,” we can learn to use them to help others for the sake of Jesus, who “gave his all” to show us how to live for God and one another. 

So, how much should we give back to God? 5%? 10%? 15% or more? If we can prayerfully answer the question in terms of “Can I live on 95%, or 90%, or 85% or less of those great treasures our wonderful God has given us?,” then we’re on the right path to accepting what a great and generous God we do have – and how that generosity is meant to be shared for the sake of those in need.

Years ago, my family started proportional giving below 5% and increased as I could.

When praying about how to fill out my estimate of giving card this year, Jim’s words are what I will be keeping in mind.

Martin Ericson
Senior Warden