In contemplating this subject several thoughts came to mind. First, I express my ministry through the community of faith known as St. Thomas' Parish both within our neighborhood and beyond this sanctuary. For me, ministry happens through worship where I can experience the beauty of the liturgy, the splendor of the music and the fellowship of those who create the spirit of our parish. My ministry is expressed by serving as your Treasurer and participating in parish life. Ministry in my daily life is expressed as I live out the Gospel of Jesus within the community where I live and work. These ministries are shaped by my identity as an Episcopalian and as a member of this parish, which is tied to the world-wide Anglican Communion.  

St. Thomas’ is the buttress that holds me up as I live out my Christian life; a place that encourages me to experience my faith journey at my own pace.  It is a home that I can turn to in times of crisis and joy.  I also know that there are Episcopal altars elsewhere in the world that I can seek when in times of need.

These days I am confronted with the question of “Why do I want to support a church where some members fail to see my ministry and that of my ordained brothers and sisters as legitimate and valid.”  The current turmoil is threatening to break apart the church that I love and hold dearly.  Let’s face it — those of us who attend St. Thomas’ in the Diocese of Washington are blessed to be accepted for who we are.  I have to constantly remind myself not to take this for granted and remember those who do not enjoy such liberty.  For me St. Thomas’ stands as a symbol of what the church should look like and demands me to give.

Why do I give?

• As thanks for the gift of Anglican theology that shapes my life as the Christian that I have become.
• In gratitude for the opportunities I have experienced to give witness to being a progressive Christian in today’s world
• To support the ministries of this parish, the diocese, national church and the world-wide communion.

Please join me on this journey in faith as we collectively reach out to the world around us.