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On November 7th, we started a new sermon series titled “Life Is Better When You’re Generous”. Rev. Mary Margaret’s sermon that day on the poor widow in Mark 12:41-44 focused on Jesus’s teaching that what is truly important is giving generously and that we ask ourselves “God, what would you have me do?” to be more generous, helpful, kind… and then some, to our neighbors and community.
This coming Tuesday is #GivingTuesday, a day dedicated to generosity, supporting nonprofits and those in need in your community. #GivingTuesday was created in 2012 and has turned into a global movement that offers a different narrative from the chaos of consumerism that we endure from Black Friday to Cyber Monday and throughout the holiday season. As November comes to an end this Tuesday, what better way to finish our focusing on “Life Is Better When You’re Generous” than #GivingTuesday?
The people of St. Matthew’s showed incredible generosity by donating 291 lbs of beans and rice in honor of Father Rob & Linda Merola last week! The Outreach Committee was able to bless Tree of Life Ministries with this incredible gift just in time for Thanksgiving. Giving generously immediately impacted our community.
"Generosity gives everyone the power to make a positive change in the lives of others and is a fundamental value anyone can act on."
How can you get involved in #GivingTuesday and spread a little more kindness into the world? Here are a few ideas:
Write a positive review to a local business (or maybe a favorite church)
Offer your expertise to a nonprofit or friend who needs support
Find a cause you believe in and give a financial gift
Call a friend or family member who may be lonely or you haven’t spoken to in awhile
Give through small acts of kindness like the single bag of rice and beans you may have picked up last week. Grab another one while grocery shopping and make a weekly habit of generosity.
Generous people report being happier, healthier, and more satisfied with life than those who don’t give. Generosity produces within us a sense that we are capable of making a difference in the world, that we are actively addressing the needs of those around us, and that we are shaping our community into a healthier one.
Please, join us in #GivingTuesday this year. Make a gift to St. Matthew’s, volunteer your time, love your neighbor.