Gratitude to God

Brendan Murphy on November 10, 2020

All that we are and all that we have comes from God — our bounteous gifts, talents, and blessings. To receive these is profound; and likewise summons a response.

The Every Member Canvass reminds us to reflect on how God has shown up in our lives and the lives of our family, community, and beyond. The many ways that he has been present, the times that prayers were answered, and the abundance of God’s many creative solutions to our “impossible” predicaments all further illustrate the revelation that everything we have is a gift. Showing gratitude is important, not because he needs it, but because we need to have and express grateful hearts. God yearns to hear our thanksgiving.

Pledging is a tangible way to show our gratitude and offers us the opportunity to respond to God in a meaningful way. In 2020, many of us have experienced great loss and suffering and may feel as though blessings are lacking or diminished. There have been so many changes and challenges. And at the same time, looking back, I see unexpected blessings were present and available in my own life — more readily, perhaps because I was not distracted with the regularly scheduled events that normally fill our lives and schedules.

Focusing on his abundant gifts naturally leads to gratitude. Offering our first fruits is a significant way to present our gifts as a sacrifice and to honor God’s unconditional love and generosity.

So, this year, when considering your EMC pledge, I encourage us all to focus on and be grateful for God’s presence in our lives, for all that we are and for all that we have. And with faith and through prayer, respond by pledging in a meaningful way in 2021.

This past Sunday, November 8, was Loyalty Sunday, the day by which we had hoped to have all pledge commitments returned. If you have not yet made your pledge for 2021, there is still time to submit a pledge online or mail in a pledge card. On behalf of the Stewardship Council, we are so grateful for your support of Christ Church Cathedral.

Mary Swift
Chair, Stewardship Council

Every Member Canvass

The Every Member Canvass is our annual opportunity to pledge financial support to Christ Church Cathedral for the coming calendar year, a true investment in future mission and ministry. As we live in a time unlike any other, the need is great, and we hope that all will make their pledge through trust in God who casts out our fear, and out of the joy we know when we meet God in this place.

Ways to make your pledge:

  • Pledging online is easy.
  • Return the pledge card you received by mail to 1117 Texas Ave, Houston, TX 77002.
  • Make a pledge over the phone at 713-590-3338 or by email by contacting Karen Kraycirik, minister for stewardship.

Learn more about this year’s EMC at: christchurchcathedral.org/emc