October 24, 2024

Dear Christ Church Family,

Among the many memorable scenes in It’s A Wonderful Life is the interchange between George Bailey and his newly discovered Guardian Angel named Clarence. Financial woes had finally gotten the best of the long-suffering George. Uncle Billy’s loss of $8000 for the struggling Building and Loan was the straw that broke the camel’s back, prompting George to end his life so his family could cash in on his life insurance policy. When he leaps off a bridge into the frozen river, God intervenes in the form of Clarence. Clarence dives in too, knowing that George will save him and thus save himself.

As they are drying off in a caretaker’s cabin, Clarence tries to convince George that he is his Guardian Angel, sent to help him in his time of need. George, of course, is skeptical. Finally, he says, “I know one way you can help me. You don’t happen to have 8,000 bucks on you? To which Clarence responds, “Oh, no, we don’t use money in Heaven.” George answers, “Oh, yeah, that’s right, I keep forgetting. Comes in pretty handy down here, bub.”

God’s currency cannot be commoditized. That’s why the prophet Isaiah proclaims, "Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters; and you who have no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without cost" (Isaiah 55:1) Grace is priceless, simply because it has already been paid in full by the blood of Christ.

One of the things we tell newcomers is that we will never put any pressure on anyone to do anything at Christ Church. Just come and receive. And yet, our ministry is thriving. I have been here 26 years; Christ Church is more vibrant now than it has ever been in my tenure. And lest any back-patting arise, we are reminded by St. Paul that “this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.”  (Ephesians 2:9)

We don’t use money in Heaven, but it comes in pretty handy down here, bub. So, in the most non-pressurized way I can manage, I am asking you to give generously to Christ Church for our 2025 mission and ministry budget. About $1.9 million dollars of our nearly $2.4 million-dollar annual budget comes from pledges from you. Please do consider pledging, because that helps us plan a balanced budget. See ways to pledge and give below.

It is and remains an ineffable joy to serve as your Rector. It is, in fact, a wonderful life!

Ever Yours,