2020 Pledge Campaign: Reflection on Gracious Giving

October 14, 2019 Uncategorized

We live in a world with ever increasing availability of information, new ideas and evolving perspectives, coupled with what appears to be a demise of respect for authority and formerly accepted standards of behavior. This can cause us to question many of our core values.

Some of these values and former standards of behavior needed revision, such as better understanding and acceptance of rights for women, gays, minorities and people with mental and physical handicaps. On the other hand, the degradation of discipline in our schools and a growing disrespect for first responders in many communities, can create apprehension about personal security and safety, plus worries about the long-term consequences of these behaviors.

Attending St. Andrew’s and hearing God’s word can help define our core beliefs and understanding of how best to behave as Christians. For Rose and me, regularly hearing Anne, and other clergy, sharing broadening insight into Biblical lessons, in an environment of communal prayer, reflections and confession, helps us define who we should be and why while also serving as a motivation to learn from failures and strive to be more Christian in our behavior.

John Garrett