Temple Talk on Tithing

I've been asked to do a five minute temple talk in October about tithing. That is just a quick speech during church services about a particular subject. And, since we are about to begin our stewardship campaign and ask for pledges for 2017, it is fitting to address this matter.

Tithing isn't new - it begins with the Old Testament and there are a lot of references to it. Tithing didn't necessarily mean money, but also produce, stock, etc. Today we recognize it also as the giving of our time and talents, but it really comes down to simply returning a tenth of what you are blessed with to God. It should be done not out of obligation, but in willingness. The idea is that God has given you a gift, and in appreciation, you show your gratitude by giving back a portion.

There seems also to be a question as to whether that means 10% to the church or 10% for all charitable giving. I think one has to come to that decision on his/her own. I just know that I'm not limited to 10% and am fortunate to be able to contribute to both. You don't need to have an over-abundance of wealth and resources, but if one has everything he/she needs, why not share additional blessings with others? 

Last year I wrote a poem just for stewardship. I remember what it was like just starting out married life (when I joined my church), and later having a young family. I believe meeting a pledge is somewhat like forgiveness - you really need to pray in order to do it. That covers the unforeseen as well as any temptation not to do it.

For anyone who hasn't seen the poem, here it is:

What If?

I had a dream the other night

About what I would do

If there no longer was a church

No altar, nave or pew

No wedding venue for anyone

No funerals for those who pass

No services on Christmas Eve

No baptisms or Easter mass

How can this be? I asked

The church is always here

Whenever I want or need it

Only a few times every year

And then I finally realized

The church needs funds year round

To keep it there for all of us

To give it solid ground

So I quickly sought my pledge card

And asked God to give to me

A generous and grateful heart

To support church continually

It hasn’t always been easy

Finances are sometimes tight

But I remember everything is God’s

To give back is only right

And now I’m blessed to know

That I’m helping my church to be

Always there for others

And especially there for me!

Vicki Julian (copyright 2015)

Blessings to all!

When to Be Quiet

Have you ever been in a group meeting and almost every topic makes you want to comment or ask a question? It's annoying when someone does that, but recently I found myself being that someone!

There are a few things that I just can't keep quiet about like child welfare, certain political issues, cost of various items, etc. It seemed that all of those came up in church council recently. I asked questions, expressed concern and offered suggestions. I've never been quite so animated in a group setting! I can only hope that my fellow council members forgive my overindulgence.

But then, as I grow older and hopefully gain a little more wisdom, I find there are some other things that I can't keep quiet about: Injustice and unfairness (but I'm still working on that more), standing on principle, many political issues, bad business practices, inconsideration, intentional rudeness, stupidity (not to be confused with honest and unintentional ignorance), disrespect and my faith.

Growing up, I remember hearing that good manners meant you didn't express your opinions in an overt and disagreeing manner, especially on the subjects of politics and religion. Today, society forces and needs us to do that. In fact, the Bible has many scriptures that allude to doing so.

Jeremiah 22:3 (NRSV) states: "Thus says the Lord: Act with justice and righteousness, and deliver from the hand of the oppressor anyone who has been robbed."

Perhaps the best example to explain the expectation of us is Matthew 25: 43-45 - ^"43I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not give me clothing, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.’ ⁴⁴ Then they also will answer, ‘Lord, when was it that we saw you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not take care of you?’ ⁴⁵ Then he will answer them, ‘Truly I tell you, just as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.’ 

Granted, I can't be called a paragon of mercy or champion of the oppressed, but I try to do what I can. It's all part of my faith because I truly believe we are here to care for one another. But to my fellow council members, please know that I will probably never be as vocal as I was at our last meeting. Let's just say, I want to take my own advice and be respectful without preaching to the choir!