Thirty-first Sunday in Ordinary Time

If there’s any Sunday on which someone other than someone ordained should preach – it’s this Sunday.  In the readings today from Malachi and Matthew, priests and preachers are criticized and even cursed by the Lord.

In the first scripture the priests are condemned for not taking their calling seriously, for not “laying it to heart,” and for thereby leading others astray.

In the gospel the preachers are castigated for not practicing what they preach and for feeling entitled to privilege on account of their ministry.

So today, I’ve invited Rick Fersch, chair of our parish Development Committee, to direct our attention to Stewardship of Treasure at Christ Our Hope Church.  Rick.

Fersch comments on the Renewal of Stewardship of Treasure

Good “day” – my name is Rick Fersch and for those of you who don’t know me – my wife Patti and I are parishioners of COH – live on Mercer Island – and currently volunteer in a variety of ministries here – one of which brings me to you today.

I worked for over 30 years in retail including 15 years at Eddie Bauer – the last 6 years as President and CEO!  I retired from Bauer after suffering a severe stroke on September 7, 2000 – but as you can see, God was good to me that day – and saved my life.  After my recovery – I felt called to spend the next 15 years in God payback mode and accepted the job of executive director of Stewardship & Development for the Archdiocese of Seattle – a position from which I have just retired last December. 

What if you woke up tomorrow – with only the things you thanked God for today?

Stewardship as a way of life – calls us to express our gratitude to God for all the gifts we have been given.  As Christian stewards, we are called to receive God’s gifts gratefully - cultivate them responsibly – share them lovingly in justice with others – and return them with increase to the Lord!  Whether they are our gifts of time, talent or treasure – we are called to give them all back to God.  This is what makes us a stewardship parish.

Today I am asking you to commit some of your treasure to support the mission of our parish. I remind you that we are asked to give not because we are a parish that has needs (although we do) – but rather to give because we are a parish that meets needs.  A primary purpose of the mission of Christ Our Hope is not only the maintaining of existing structures and programs – but to be caught up in a sense of mission – an experience of evangelization.

Today I am asking each of you to exercise your faith and become financial partners in the mission of Christ Our Hope.

How much – you ask? – well only you and God know that answer!  But – I can provide a couple of quick guidelines that may help you to discern your response. 

First guideline – last year 147 households out of our total of 400 registered households chose to make an annual financial commitment.  These 147 households averaged an annual gift of $2,125 – which turns out to be about $40 a week. 

Another guideline that you might find useful is the fact that most Catholics give an average of about 2% of their income. (10% biblical tithe)   Think about how that would translate for you.

Or how about Ray and Edith Aspiri’s guideline to “give until it feels good” (not what you usually hear, right?)

So, as you make your decision, may I also suggest-

-If you have already been contributing to the parish, would you consider adding 5% more to your gift this year?

-And if you haven’t been contributing – would you consider a gift of maybe a dollar a day or $365 for the year? – that turns out to be about $7.00 a week

But most importantly – please know that every gift matters and will make a difference!

And – if you can’t afford a gift of any size right now, please join us anyway by filling out your card and writing “prayer” for the amount.  (Instead, can you join us as a volunteer in support of one of our many ministries?)

Okay – if by now you’ve landed on the amount of your gift - please fill out your card and return it to us – or – when you get home – go to our parish website and do it online.

-If you are still discerning – please continue to reflect and pray to be able to make that commitment next week. 

Finally – giving to our parish mission is easy with a myriad of ways to make and fulfill your pledge:

-The fastest and easiest way is to give online – that’s how Patti and I do it.  Go to our website – sign up by stating how much and how often - and voila! – your gift continues to give automatically (and may even earn some mileage for you!)

-New this year – if you prefer to receive weekly offertory envelopes at home – you can!  Simply check the box and they will start arriving in January 2018.

-And – of course – as always – if you prefer to use our weekly pew envelope for cash or checks to fulfill your pledge – we welcome that as well!

So – back to where we started

What if you woke up tomorrow with only what you thanked God for today?

Please join us – as we join together to exercise our faith and become financial partners in the mission of COH

As Father constantly reminds us – “ALL ARE WELCOME!”  And I would add – ALL ARE NEEDED!  There are no spare parts in the Body of Christ.  

I am out of time, but I sincerely thank you for yours!

Rick Fersch, Chair of Development at Christ Our Hope