But this week's gospel ...this one, I can handle. I have to admit, this passage seems to be one that every one has heard...over and over and over and over again. It is one that crops up in ad campaigns requesting support for shelters and food banks and disaster relief. It can get a little old and over done and frankly, it loses some of its passion and worth in all that hullabaloo. It's difficult to find something shiny and new to discuss. But maybe it's not the shiny and new that needs to be discussed. Maybe, just maybe, it's the true passion and worth that is here in Jesus' words about what our purpose should be, what our presence can mean here on Earth, and ultimately the eternal life we can gain.

Like the others who have spoken in this year’s round of these presentations, I give to St. Thomas because I have found a home here and because I want to support our ministries, including those in which I am not involved in some other way. My need for encouraging worship is met here, and my desire to extend my reach beyond my own efforts is satisfied here.

I've started writing this testimonial at least half a dozen times in the last couple weeks; only to toss what I've written because the direction I was heading in didn't feel quite right. Giving is often a very personal decision. I’ve asked myself over and over again “Why do I give?” Every time I ask myself, I have a different answer. That’s why it’s been so hard for me to write just one thing, to provide just one answer. I could provide a different answer every Sunday of the year if asked to – don’t worry; I’m not going to.

On Sunday morning, October 26, following the AURAFORM presentation of the Sanctuary Concept for St. Thomas’, I lightly touched Barbara Hays, our Junior Warden, on the shoulder and said, “Thank you”. Barbara responded, “For what—I didn’t do anything, I just showed up”. Indeed, thank you again Barbara…for “showing up” is so essential to the fullness of our life together as a spiritual community.