Moment for Mission Archive

It’s stewardship season.

It’s always stewardship season at this time of year. So why do we feel the need to stand up in front of you and talk about it for several weeks each year?

This congregation has a good giving record. We also have a good record on volunteering our time and talent. We’re a committed bunch. So what more are we supposed to do?

This year, the Stewardship Committee wants us all to find for ourselves the joy that comes from stewardship. So, they sent me to be your first guide.

I’ve been a member of Rutgers for four years. I direct the children’s choir. I moderate the Trustees. I participated in the committee that mobilized the organ restoration, and I also chair the Organ Capital Campaign Committee. (Members of that committee actually call me the Enforcer.) When I can, I sing in the chancel choir. In my other life, I’m a senior officer and Director of Human Resources for a global financial institution. I’m an active alumna of the college I attended. And, most importantly, I belong to a busy family of four.

My biography is a lot like that of the people sitting to your right and your left. We are all very engaged people who have a hard time saying no when someone asks us to do a job. For me, it took a number of years to find a church in New York, and I’ve come to realize that one reason it took so long is that I knew this would happen. I would be asked to give of myself beyond what I thought was my limit. Only when I was ready to be asked to serve in this way, would I be ready to become part of an active congregation.

In addition to giving my time, I also knew that once I had joined a church, I would also be asked to give money. Over and over again. By people who asked cheerfully, relentlessly, and without shame. It was a big step for me to make myself ready for that kind of commitment.

So, why do I pledge? Because I look for efficiency and streamlining in a busy life, and pledging to Rutgers is a great deal. Now, my husband and I support a number of other important causes, but by giving to Rutgers I extend my reach manifold – I get to support community outreach with programs for children, the elderly and the homeless, that are sponsored here by Body and Spirit throughout the week; the homeless shelter; and the Thursday night meal program. I get to support initiatives promoting equality and peace throughout the globe, through the targeted giving that our Benevolence Committee coordinates. I get to support efforts to try to make New York City the best city in the world for all of its citizens, including the voiceless. And, because I value the arts, I also appreciate that by supporting Rutgers with my time and my money, I can help make music for the entire community to enjoy. And I get to do all of this and more by pledging once and even giving just once (as long as it’s a big check).

So why am I here, the first of a handful of Stewardship Committee members who will speak with you, to remind you once again? Because last year you may not have pledged, and committed to giving. You probably found yourself dropping bills and envelopes into the collection plate anyway. Or, maybe you did pledge, but maybe that pledge wasn’t a “stretch” effort for you. So, now I’ll tell you: I’m here to suggest you stretch. If you gave a little of your time, your talent, your money, last year, give a little more this year. Don’t go overboard, but if you found it possible to work on one committee last year, consider participating in one more, or offer to be a moderator. If you were able to pledge a sum last year, pledge 10% or15% more than that amount this year. And if you have never pledged before, do it now. You’ll get handy little envelopes, regular statements for tax purposes, and the satisfaction of knowing you’re doing your part for this vibrant community.

By the way, the reason they call me the Enforcer is that I firmly believe everyone should pledge something, event a little, to give some kind of support. I enforce this belief on myself, even when it’s hard. Believe it or not, it always makes me feel good. I believe that you’ll feel good too.