Our Gifts

Lay not up for yourselves treasures upon earth, where moth and rust doth corrupt, and where thieves break through and steal; But lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven…for where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Matthew 6:19-21     

This scripture passage has been sung as an anthem, probably many different ones by many composers. But when I sang in our church choir (First Presbyterian Church in St. Louis) as a youth and later as a young adult, we sang this anthem every year on Pledge Sunday in the fall. Our Minister of Music hoped it would encourage the congregation and membership to be even more generous in giving and pledging.  

I’ve been singing the words of this passage in my head repeatedly since receiving the letter about Eastridge Presbyterian’s need for extra dollars to continue the work of our church. I know this is a challenging time for all of us, but I hope that many of us are able to add to our usual donation and/or pledge to ensure the stability and survival of Eastridge Church, its pastors and staff and the community of love it provides.  

Prayer:  Dear Lord, thank you for the many gifts you have given us.  With gratitude in our hearts, let us share those gifts as you would have us do.  In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Carolyn Brandle