The Power of Receiving

Leland is paid 50¢ to unload the dishwasher and 50¢ to empty all the house’s rubbish bins. This ritual is exciting for him: cashing in coins for bills, smaller denominations for larger ones, and entering it all in a little notebook ledger. This summer, he reached $500 and proudly opened a bank account.

Leland has a cousin Gavin who is seven months older, lives in Phoenix, and turns eight in December. We invited Leland to spend his own money to buy his cousin’s birthday gift and offered to match whatever he was willing to pay to double his purchasing power.

We haven’t walked over to The Grove yet, but nearly every day, he asks, “Can we go buy Gavin’s present now?” Think about that: our son is asking to spend some of his hard-earned cash so that his cousin can have the most thoughtful gift ever. We know how much Leland will take pride in his selection, the wrapping and unveiling, and how Gavin will feel when he receives it.

Three weeks ago, we launched Serve ∙ Support ∙ Sustain, inviting you to reflect on your personal and financial commitment to St. Monica. This weekend, we do that all together. Our call to action begins with letting us know how our clergy, directors, and ministry leaders can serve, support, and sustain you. Then, we’ll invite you to let us know which method of giving you prefer—providing you with flexibility and control.

We hope you take pride in all that your generosity has provided in this place and around the globe. It’s clear that for some, an increase in giving is too much to ask right now—we need to hear that, too! And at the same time, many of us have the opportunity to help close that gap to make sure we are #StillStMonica. Thank you in advance for taking part in Serve ∙ Support ∙ Sustain, the grace of your gifts, and your fervent prayer.