Some of you may know the story of Jean-François Blondin, known as the The Great Blondin who in June 1859 crossed the gorge below Niagara Falls on a 335 metre long tightrope, 50 m above the water. He did this a number of times, with different theatric variations:
- Blindfolded, in a sack, trundling a wheelbarrow, on stilts, carrying his manager on his back, sitting down midway while he cooked and ate an omelet and standing on a chair with only one chair leg on the rope.
The story (which you may have heard) is told of the man, who watched with amazement as he saw Blondin wheel the wheelbarrow over the gorge and back.
The story goes that Blondin asked the man
“Do you believe I can wheel this barrow over and back?
The man replied that he was sure he could, having seen him do it a number of times, along with the other amazing feats.
Blondin asked him again
“Are you absolutly sure I can?”
“Absolutely sure “was the man’s reply
To which Blodin asked him
“So would you be happy to jump into the barrow for my next crossing?”
This story has often been told to demonstrate the difference between Belief and Faith
The man was absolutely convinced in Blondin’s ability, but was he willing to put his life on the line?
It was this story which came to mind for me when I read and reflected on today’s old Testament reading. If you look at the great colour picture on the front of your pew sheet , you will see an image of another watery story.
Moses is standing, with his arms held high as God parts the waters of the Red Sea. With the Egyptian army being held back, if you look closely you can see the Children of Israel- God’s people dwarfed by the huge mountains of water on either side- making their way on dry land all the way to the other side.
It struck me that, even though the Egyptian army were ready to chase them, that it must have taken some faith to step into the sea. The sea held such terror to the ancients and stepping in with those huge walls of waters on either side was a real test of faith. Although it was clearly the life giving way to ‘freedom from slavery’ and the Promised Land, they too were
‘putting their lives on the line’.
Last year when I preached in the series for our Planned Giving Program, I referred to the story of the Children of Israel in the dessert, relying on God for their daily sustenance which came in the form of manner from heaven. Through the Exodus story we see how the Israelites learned over many years , particularly while wandering in the dessert, that God was faithful, that he sustained them, even when they mucked up and rebelled, and that all they had : came from God.
This story which is foundational to Jewish and Christian sacred writings is about the tortuous journey of people moving from “believing in God” to “putting their trust in God”.
As the people of God here at St Paul’s, I know that many of us can relate to this story and have come to understand that, all that we have has come from God and that our giving back to God is an essential part of being a Christian.
Today is Thanksgiving Sunday: - time to review our commitment to God and the ministry of this parish.
As I said it’s 12 months since we held our Planned Giving Program.
Its an opportunity to make a Pledge if your not already doing it and if you pledged last year - opportunity to review.
Vestry’s plan is to repeat the big program which we had last year, every 3 year, and each year Review – which is what we are doing today.
The Planned giving Pledge money is to support to regular operating costs of providing the ministry of the parish. Vicar, Children and Family Ministry, Director of Music, Office support, cleaning, bookkeeping together with the maintenance and operating costs of using our buildings. Much great work is done on a voluntary basis by so many here – however as recognised in our Parish Vision we need these building blocks to support our plans for worship and community engagement in order to be faithful as the Anglican people of God here in Canterbury.
So how have we gone since last year??
In response to our Planned Giving Program last year we have seen a 24% increase in our pledged giving. In round terms we have gone from $97,000 in 2010 to a forecast of $120,000 for this year, based on the passed eleven months.(You can see the YTD figures in the Pew Sheet) This is great news People have been very faithful and so thank you, from all of us for that.
The $120,000 of pledged giving which is forecast is however about 10% less than the $134,000 that was actually pledged for the year. If you look at your Pew Sheet you can see how we are tracking to end of August. We are $12,700 behind.
In addition as you would understand Operating Costs have increased in the past 12 months and so Vestry are asking us to all consider our giving in light of an estimated shortfall of $34,000 in the next financial year:- if nothing changes.
In reflecting on our faithful response, and achieving 90% of what we pledged- it made me wonder if the shortfall may be due in large part, to people being away and not catching up. If this happened to you, can I suggest that Direct Debit might help and may be a way of ensuring that you don’t miss any weeks.
Given the inflationary costs since last year you are encouraged to look at your last year’s pledge and increase it, if you are able.
Also it seems that our Open Plate Giving is up and given that we have a number of new members, that if you’re new and don’t pledge and would like to, then this is an opportunity.
I’m very much aware that David Burn last week launched “The Mighty Makeover, Hall Appeal” and that another appeal for money this week- could easily give the impression that “all they want is money”.
I’m very conscious of this and like you, Susanne and I are reviewing our giving at the same time as considering the need for support of the hall renovations. The reality is that it’s never the right time to ask for money. – and the needs of our parish for the hall and the renewal of commitment pledges have come at the same time. – can’t get away from it. Money is a taboo subject- reminds me of the psychologists who would talk very freely with their children about sex, but when it came to conversations about money: they sent them out of the room
Let me say that the hall project is a “one off”, for 12 months and all donations are tax deductible to raise the $126,000.
On the other hand the weekly planned giving is to cover our regular ongoing expenses. Its like doing the home renovation, but at the same time you still have to pay for the mortgage, food, travel, gas, electricity and phone bills.
So I invite you to reflect on your relationship with God and ask
“Does my giving reflect the importance of that relationship?” Pray and talk to God about it.
How much do you trust God as opposed to merely believing in God? Are you willing to step into the Red Sea? Are you willing to jump into the barrow?
We are blessed by being part of this parish through Sunday worship and activities like the Choir Men’s Spirituality Group and the Women’s Groups and Caritas etc. We are committed through our Parish Vision to engage with our community, which is happening through the Kinder and Kids Hope and Play Groups and a range of ways. Thank you to each of you for your part in what God is doing here. Let’s continue the good work.
The Lord be with you
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