We've been working on a new initiative at Christ Church-Lutheran called "gleanings".
We know that this has been a tremendously difficult season for people in our world, our city, and even in our congregation.
As difficult as things may be right now, we know -- more importantly -- that our God is exceedingly generous.
We've experienced it firsthand.
I think the tendency in times of trouble is to insulate, hoard, and to forego that spirit of generosity. We want to do the opposite. Instead of hoarding, our congregation is asking that each member would examine their own life and give where they have excess. Our goal is to take those gleanings and give them to the people with the greatest need.
Not because this somehow would earn any of us God's love or affection. We have that in spades. We want to give during this time, simply because need exists and the Church should always be a place of generosity and help for those in need.
I can't help but think of Acts 2:
"Now the full number of those who believed were of one heart and soul, and no one said that any of the things that belonged to him was his own, but they had everything in common. And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles' feet, and it was distributed to each as any had need. Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas (which means son of encouragement), a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles' feet."
God-willing, we will respond as the early Church responded to need, as best we can over the next [however long this terrible virus continues]. We hope you'll join us. Wherever you are, whatever you can give.
In Jesus' name,
Amen.