Giving Back What God Has Given

What makes a pledge worth keeping, even in hard times? For Sue Bentley, the answer came at her family’s kitchen table, when her father lost his job and her parents cut back on everything except their pledge to the church. Thirty-nine years after joining Saint Peter’s, Sue shares how that lesson has guided her giving ever since. Her words remind us to give to God first, with gratitude for all we have received.

Hello, everybody. I’m Sue Bentley. I don’t see a lot of you because I usually go to the 8:00 a.m. service. I came to Saint Peter’s 39 years ago. I know it’s that long because Ron and I just celebrated our wedding anniversary yesterday. I came to Saint Peter’s because I was searching for a church when we moved into the area. 

I chose Saint Peter’s after visiting several because it was so open and welcoming. And the Peace was just as rousing back then as it is now. It hasn’t changed at all.

Being here at Saint Peter’s and being active, contributing, pledging members has never been a question in all the seasons of our lives: when we were just married, after we had kids, and now that we have grandkids. It’s just always been a really important place.

I grew up in the Episcopal Church, and my parents set an example for pledging. I remember one year in particular. My father lost his job. This was back in the ’70s, when a lot of government contractors were laying people off, and this was a new thing for us. Our parents sat us down at the kitchen table and said, “OK, we’ve got to tighten our belts. We have to figure out what we can do and what we might not be able to do until Dad is working again.” The one thing they never cut was their pledge to church. They said, “Church is the most important thing for our family. Don’t ever forget that.” And so I never did. 

To this day, I consider what I can give to the Church first. I encourage all of you to do the same. This place gives so much, and we’re really just giving back what God has given to us. It’s not just about money. It’s also about time and talent. 

So please consider: if you’re already giving, give more. If you haven’t given yet, please do. I hope this place means as much to you as it has to me.

Sue Bentley