Today is #GivingTuesday and I wanted to share a few reasons why I give a proportion of my income to support the Franklin United Methodist Church.
I give to the Franklin United Methodist Church because I see the real and potential impact it has on our community. This week alone some 650 meals will be distributed from our facility and 150 persons clothed! A lot of good is done here each day as people are fed and clothed, kids are taught, and all are welcomed.
I give because I believe that the church is one of the few places, if not the only place left in our community, where people of differing opinions can gather to discuss things of importance. It is a community where we can speak from our hearts and be accepted for who we are, where we are at any given moment, without judgment.
I give because I believe that the Way of Christ—the way of sacrificial, outreaching, and steadfast love—is how justice and peace are established and the world transformed for the betterment of all.
I don’t give because I think the church is perfect. It’s not. I don’t give because the preaching is always great or the hymns are always familiar. They’re not. I don’t give because the coffee is always good or childcare is provided. I don’t give because it’s convenient or easy.
I give to the Franklin United Methodist Church because it is a community where I find meaningful relationship with God, can grow in Christ, and reach out in love to others. It’s a place where I am loved and challenged to love all. And, I believe that others can and do experience that here too.
That’s why I give to the Franklin United Methodist Church; and, on this #GivingTuesday, I encourage you to donate too. To learn more, go franklinumc.org/giving.
Peace.
Pastor Jacob