Why do we give? For Barbara Mattox, giving is a way to celebrate. It began on her first Sunday in the pews at Saint Peter’s, when someone turned to her and said, “Welcome. We’re glad you’re here.” In this stewardship testimony, Barbara reflects on how that welcome grew into friendships, a richer prayer life through the Daily Office, a Wednesday Bible study that became the joy of her week, and a day of serving alongside a neighbor in need. Her words remind us that giving doesn’t start with a ledger. It starts with gratitude for all Saint Peter’s gives to us, and a desire to share it.
Why do I give to Saint Peter’s? Giving to Saint Peter’s is, for me, a way to celebrate what Saint Peter’s gives to me, to all of us, and to our neighbors, both locally and far around the world. It’s the joy, the spirituality, the solace, the comfort, and the opportunity to grow.
I always harken back to the first Sunday I ever sat in these pews. Someone turned to me and said, “Welcome. We’re glad you’re here.” I looked around the sanctuary and saw people I already knew: friends from the dog park, from my golfing life, from my work life. And then there are all the new friends I’ve made. It touches my heart each and every Sunday to walk in here and see so many faces I can now call friends.
So many things mean so much: the music, the peace (oh goodness, the peace!) and the Eucharist. I’ve been able to develop a much richer prayer life by learning the Daily Office. Thank you, Cory Michael. (There’s an app for that.)
I’ve found the Bible. Who knew I could think of myself as a Bible scholar, even for a nanosecond? Nancy Arnold pulled me into the Wednesday Bible study, and now it’s a rich, joyful part of my week, every week. There was the study of Ruth, and the Sunday lectionary series this summer, where we really got to dig in, think about the words, and learn their history. And now there’s the Bible Challenge we’re doing this month.
There’s the chance to serve. This week I got to spend a day shadowing Diane Hazzard on some of the mission work she does. I can’t tell you how meaningful it was just to look at someone’s face, sit with them, and help them with something small in their life that made a difference.
I want to close with what I think is the heart of it all: Saint Peter’s wonderful priests. I think we are all so lucky to have them. They’re here for us. They’re here for us if it’s just one of us. They’re here for us if it’s a small group of ten. And they’re here for us if it’s 300 of us.
I’ll share a small story about that. Last year I was vesting to serve as chalice bearer at the 8:00 a.m. service. Jenifer asked, “How are you?” and I burst into tears. She said, “Oh my goodness, what’s wrong?” I told her I had just found out my dog was dying of cancer. Within a few days she was at my house, on the floor with me and the dog. That is the true heart of Saint Peter’s.
So I give because Saint Peter’s gives so much to me, and I want to celebrate that. I hope you’ll join me.
Barbara Mattox
