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.

Many of you know that I’m a fundraiser in my day job. I’ve raised money for a variety of causes over the years; direct social services for lgbt youth, an HIV/AIDS clinic, an lgbt community and education facility, an lgbt advocacy organization, a progressive law and policy organization, and now for a public interest law school. One of the first things I learned as a fundraiser is you have to truly believe in what you’re raising funds for, which is why I’ve always made the choice to donate to the institutions I’ve worked for. You can’t ask another to give to an organization you yourself don’t believe in, and what better way to demonstrate your belief than by giving. But that’s why I give at the office. I’m supposed to be taking about why I give to St. Thomas’.

John Carter assigned this date on our "Why I Give" schedule to me. I’m sure he wasn’t aware of the fact that it's been nearly one year since Anne and I walked through that red door downstairs, and found our second home. We had been talking about finding a spiritual home, a place of worship, where we could explore our faiths as individuals and as a couple. This, of course, meant research. I began researching area churches online. I produced a list, as Anne will tell you I’m prone to do. My list consisted of five or six places of worship, their addresses, times of services, a brief description of the ministries offered and directions from our home. I think I’ve mentioned this list to several members here previously, and how St. Thomas’ Parish was the only place on the list we actually visited. What I’ve not previously mentioned is that St. Thomas’ was actually the second church listed. An Old Catholic Church in NE was first. What was it decided us to come here first? As I recall, it came down to worship service start times. Theirs was earlier.

It only took the one visit for Anne to make up her mind. The harpsichord was on display in the sanctuary at the time – Tim was playing when we walked in. John Johnson was the first one to come up to us during coffee hour after service, with a big smile and a genuine “Welcome, we’re glad you’re here.” And then we met John Dwyer and John Carter and well, we were beginning to wonder if being named John was a requirement for attendance. I’m sure folks are aware of how daunting this type of situation can be, walking into a new place, perhaps returning to church services after a long absence. There may be first time attendees here today, feeling at bit anxious, not sure if this is where you belong. Let me tell you something, this is a place where it is okay to come to the table as you are. That’s what I learned those first few weeks here at St. Thomas’. I’ve learned this truth over and over again this past year. I feel like I’m welcomed every week by this community.

Anne and I made a commitment to show up every week pretty early on after that first visit. We decided to fully participate in this community, give of ourselves, of our time, our talents, and our energy. Giving financially was, quite naturally, an intrinsic part of our commitment; because I know initiatives, programs, and running this parish all take funds.

Now, I have to be honest, the practice of tithing is new to me. It’s not a concept I’ve encountered in my career with nonprofit and educational institutions. My family’s donations to our church, St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in La Puente, CA were a complete mystery to me, although I do remember the red cabinet our envelopes were kept in at home. I wasn’t aware of what we gave. It never occurred to me that we gave more than the few dollars I was given before mass to place in the collection plate. Now, Anne and I aren’t in a position to tithe. We’re currently giving as much to help my parents annually as we are to St. Thomas’. For me, however, it’s become an aspirational goal. But, until we get to that point, Anne and I are committed to increasing our financial commitment annually to the extent of our capacity.

So, why do I give to St. Thomas’? I think a better question is why am I committed to giving more every year? Well, it’s because I believe in the value of this church to the community it serves, and for those who have yet to walk through that door downstairs looking for a place at our table. And when that value is reaffirmed on a regular basis, as it is here for me every week, giving more just feels right.