Pastor Kris' Blog

Pastor Kris' Blog

Generosity Abounds

Posted by: Kris Androsky on 4/26/2011

Generosity Abounds

 
This week I have been moved deeply by the generosity of the community of faith. Good Friday this year was really a miserable day: cold, dreary, windy and raining. While that might seem fitting for Good Friday, it wasn’t really an ideal day for a group of people to walk through downtown Waukesha to learn about poverty in our community and to pray for the programs and ministries that offer hope and help in times of need. 
 
I went to our gathering place expecting to find just a few other clergy ready to go for a walk in the rain; after all, we are paid to do this kind of thing. Instead, I found a large, faithful group gathered because of a passion that was beyond my imagining. 40 people showed up to walk in the rain and to crowd together to lift prayers above the howling of the winds and I was moved by an abundant generosity. 
 
Throughout the weekend I kept returning to the reports of the abundant generosity that First Church has shown over the past five months. At the end of this week, the overflow shelter for men in Waukesha will close after operating for 20 weeks through the harsh winter. I cannot help but be moved by the outpouring of generosity over the past five months. Here’s why I’m giving thanks:
          * 16 people from First Church worked on the set up of the shelter
          * 6 people volunteered at least one morning a week there most weeks
          * 5 people volunteered at least one evening a week there most weeks
          * 13 people attended the Public Meeting in support of the shelter
          * A team of 7-9 served a Sunday dinner every third Sunday of the month
          * People responded to EVERY call for food or other supplies needed to keep the shelter running
          * One person went to the store during the blizzard and delivered needed supplies when no one else could
          * The “Blessing Box” was filled and refilled every week from December until April with food, clothes, towels, blankets, sleeping bags, paper goods, personal hygiene products, games, books, magazines and even a Christmas tree! (If you want to hear more about the “Blessing Box” you can listen to the sermon from January 30th by following this link.)
          * People delivered the items in the “Blessing Box” at least once a week to the Shelter, Hebron House and the Hope Center
          * Almost $3000 was given to support the shelter in addition to all of the items delivered by hand
         
All of that totals 40+ individuals spending approximately 430 hours at the Overflow Shelter in a mere 20 weeks! PLUS, 20+ huge, overflowing boxes of supplies. PLUS, almost $3,000 in cash. 
 
That kind of generosity makes me proud to be a part of this community of faith. That kind of abundant generosity calls me to be more generous in my own life. That kind of generosity makes me wonder what kind of world we would have if we all lived so generously. 
 
To top it off, I came into the office today and received an email saying that our special offering for Easter brought in $4,272 for special mission giving that supports the Food Pantry, Healing Hearts of Waukesha County and the missionary, Paul Webster. 
 
That kind of generosity is a witness to a faith that is deep. That kind of generosity says that we are not afraid of the news reports and stock market numbers. That kind of generosity points to a trust in the abundant goodness and blessing of God. 
 
Today, I am giving thanks for you – for the ways that you live generously and for the ways that you bless the community and the world through your generosity. Thank you for walking and praying in the rain, for donating time and supplies, for giving money that represents your hard work. I have been blessed by God’s work through you. 
 
Questions for Reflection (feel free to post your thoughts by using the “comment” button at the top of the blog):
 
How have you experienced abundant generosity?
What are you giving thanks for today?
How are you feeling called to live in response to God’s generosity?
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A Note From Kris

The Soul's Playground
I consider myself a seeker; someone who is always looking to find a different way of living - a way that moves into a deeper creative spirit and welcomes the things that offer a larger picture of the Holy One.  I can't help but ask a lot of questions and look for the fun and creative places in life.

In looking for something different in the world and in our lives, it seems that some days are meant for climbing trees and sitting in reflection while other days are made for playing in the sandbox with friends.

Here you will find my questions, my reflections, my greatest hopes - for our community, for the church and for the world.  Often, I'll share one of the "soul collages" made while playing in my art room as an image of where God is speaking in my life.  I hope that this space will be a place where we can share our tree-sitting reflections and our sandbox conversations.  And, I pray that through the community gathered here, our souls will find the playground they need to connect to the creative spirit of God.

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