“The purpose of wealth is reckless generosity . . . the kind that rekindles hope on dark days, the kind that reminds us that God is with us always. It creates in the holy heart a freedom of spirit that takes a person light-footed through the world, scattering possibility as it goes.” Sister Joan Chittister from Uncommon Gratitude: Alleluia for All That Is.
Does giving come naturally? Not for everyone. Despite the fact they really want to make giving a part of their lives, some people have no idea where to start, who to give to, or how much to give.
There are good reasons for that, chief among of them being the fact that in our society personal discussions about money are typically a taboo topic. And yet, discussions about money in general and giving in particular can be wonderfully freeing. That is especially true once you are comfortable with your own financial history and how you want to use your donations to make a difference in the world.
The Faith & Money Network exists as a ministry to help you make the connection between your faith and the use of your financial resources. Here are some of the ways we can help you do that.
Our Money Autobiography is a tool that unlocks our financial histories beginning with the influence of our parents and our extended family and helps us see how our attitudes have been formed and changed as we have grown out of childhood and become adults establishing our own spending and saving patterns. It is a tool to use on your own and one you can download from our website.
Last fall we introduced our Money, Faith and You online study groups to rave reviews from the participants. Each week, for six weeks running, the group members read a short chapter from our new study guide, and then they meet online for a guided 90-minute discussion. Each group consists of a maximum of 8 individuals plus the leader. What did the group think of this experience? Click here to see for yourself. The second set of classes began on February 12th, and the next will begin on May 13, 2020, and run through June 17, 2020. Click here for signup information.
And always there are monthly newsletters, current and archived Soulful Money Matters columns, and information on our Trips of Perspective, as well as other materials to introduce you to our ministry and the ways we can help you make a difference in the world with your gifts regardless of their size.
Which of these tools will you use to hone your giving decisions?
Blessings on your efforts to connect your faith and money,
Judy Osgood