The Church was a flurry of activity yesterday with many examples of the strength of LAC's ministry, fellowship, and connection to community -- our Fourth Grade Bible presentation, Confirmation Kick-Off, Larchmont Symphonia in worship, a special coffee hour, and a SEEKERS speaker event.

In the midst of all that activity, yesterday's Moment for Mission reminded us all just how important a role LAC plays in our lives. LAC member Becky Gray reminded us that Stewardship is a time to reflect on just what LAC means to each of us and how that reflection informs why and what we give during Stewardship season.

In case you did not have the chance to hear Becky's remarks, we wanted to share her thoughts with you today.

"Each year during Stewardship Season I find myself thinking about why I give and what I give. 

The what I give is always a little complicated - I always want to give more than the year before, but I am never sure if it's enough. I think about what I give to other organizations that also have worthy missions. I think about what our family earns and what our family spends on many things that mean a lot less to us - like tennis lessons at New Rochelle Racquet Club or travel sports teams.

Sometimes the "what I give" reminds me of those old Master Card Commercials – dinner at Lusardi’s $200…connecting with friends over a good meal? Priceless. A tennis clinic at New Rochelle Racquet Club – $1,500 –playing with friends? Priceless.

The reality is LAC is priceless, but it also has very real operating costs to maintain our building, our staff, and our services.

The "why I give" to LAC is never complicated and only deepens each year.

·      Last week Peter's brave sermon about blind summits, calling out the egregious plan for public executions and the washing away of ethical boundaries, and reminding us that we don't know what the future holds, but we know who holds the future - that is why I give.

·      In September, my daughter Olivia received a handwritten note from Anna Grace wishing her luck as she started her senior year and letting Olivia know that she is rooting for her - that is why I give. 

·      Douglas, the choir, Larchmont Symphonia, and the beautiful sounds they fill our church and souls with – that is why I give.

·      Knowing that LAC provides Olivia, Evan and Cameron with a strong, spiritual framework and a community with shared values to make sense of an increasingly complicated world - that is why I give. 

·      LAC's longstanding commitment to community service - that is why I give. At LAC, a commitment to serving others is a key foundation of our community. Whether it's through our work with mission partners, fellowship, or simply being present for those in need. In fact, just last night Cameron and I were in the city with LAC on a Midnight Run – sharing the gift of God and hope through warm conversations, distributing food and clothing to individuals who are living on the streets. That is why I give. 

I could list many more reasons; however, apparently this is a Moment for Mission and not a Marathon for Mission.

This stewardship season I hope you will think about your WHY and be generous in your WHAT - and join us all in helping to meet LAC’s shared Stewardship goals."