It was Martin Luther King Day, and I was in the office for a few appointments. Kirsten Rounds, our esteemed treasurer, called. She said that she had some good news. Although we still had a few odds and ends to reconcile for 2009, it looked as if we would end the year with more than a $15,000 surplus of income over expenses for 2009. The year before that we ended the year with a surplus of just about $37,000. Now, my impression from those, who seem to know, is that these surpluses during the past two years have been unusual for St. Paul’s. I credit several factors for this, but they all fall under the principle of good stewardship. The members of the parish have been good stewards in offering to God their tithes, pledges and contributions. You have been good and faithful stewards. The Vestry has exercised good stewardship in reducing costs and by appropriately using the resources entrusted to us for God’s service. Each member of the staff has exercised good stewardship in providing the best programs we can within the constraints of available funds. All of us have been very good stewards, and that has been God’s doing, as well. Thanks to all and especially to God!

Things have been tough of late, what with the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq, the economic downturn, unemployment, the earthquake in Haiti and so many other sources of deprivation throughout the world. We may feel overwhelmed by all the problems and needs that exist. Some Christians try to cope by hunkering down to take care of themselves and their own personal circle of associations. Others are prone to act out by becoming upset or conflict-oriented and pointing the finger to blame. Jesus seemed to suggest a different approach, and so did the Apostles. That approach was simple – give more in response to need. This is a personal and spiritual discipline. It takes faith. It takes compassion. It takes mercy. It takes love. And it also takes courage. It helps us draw closer to God more than just about anything else. So, even though it may not sound very spiritual, believe me, it is: When the going gets tough, the tough give more.

Abundance raises a theological question. After all, church people are called to be people of faith. That means people who trust. Trust what or whom? Trust God. God provides. God has always provided for St. Paul’s. But when God provides in abundance -- more than we expect -- we need to ask God and ourselves what He wants. Why did God move people to give more than we expected and what does God want us to do with it – not what each of us wants to do with it? The Vestry will be prayerfully wrestling with these matters as time goes on, and we ask your prayers as well.

Biblically, a case could be made for at least two approaches. The story of Joseph and the dream of seven starving cows devouring seven fat cows provides us with one enduring principle. Save surplus resources and then use them in the lean times during famines. Another approach would be to give some away to the neediest at needy times. Yet another would be simply to keep the funds in reserve as a cushion or in anticipation of what God will call us to do at some later date. The point is always a question is what God wants, not what we want. So please pray for our discernment in these matters and thank God for His provisions. He always seems to come through!

Affectionately in Christ,

Phil +