St. Jude's has been an important part of my life since I came here in 1968, a sophomore in high school. I was mentored here and the community became my 2nd family. Even after I left for college and got married, I always came back to St. Jude's whenever I could and continued to support the parish. Michael and I appreciate the nurturing and welcoming support that the parish has provided for our family over the years, even when we weren't here full time. Over time, we have increased our involvement and our pledge toward tithing to give back to St. Jude's and to thank God. Our children, Brian and Sara, were raised here, got involved in the community here, and began tithing to St. Jude's themselves in High School. St. Jude's will always be our home parish and we are grateful for all the blessings we have received.
St. Jude's has always been like home to me; I have grown to be part of an extended parish family. When I got my first job in High School, my parents encouraged me to give a tenth of what I earned. I had control of this money, and I was never forced to give to the church. It was simply understood that giving a part of it was the right thing to do. During college I divided my pledge between St. Jude's and St. Stephen's in San Luis Obispo, where I attended and even served on the Vestry.
Since I have been in college, I have begun to evaluate my own journey of faith. One thing common to every journey is the less you take with you, the easier it is to progress. By giving some of what we have, we are able to lighten our load a little more and make our journey that much easier. Giving some of what I earn is just one way that my generosity can not only benefit others, but also make my own journey easier. I am grateful that even in the economy we're facing right now, God is continuing to provide for me as I begin my professional career. In gratitude, I give back to God. I am grateful for my roots, and am continuing to give a portion of my pledge to St. Jude's. Continued support will be help St. Jude's to expand even further, reaching out to those who need to hear His word.
Joan and I have maintained a pledge at St. Jude's since we left Cupertino two years ago. We have reduced it as our involvement in St. Innocent of Alaska, Gualala, has increased, but we expect to continue it at some reduced level.
St. Jude's is so much a part of our history, has been the venue for so many of God's blessings on us, and continues as a Christian community from whom we draw love and support. We've never really cut our ties with St. Jude's since Joan started coming in 1973 and I in 1974. We were married there in 1975, a joyously important blessing! But we were always "on leave" from St. Jude's, whether during the 2.5 years we were in Bangkok, the 8 years in Los Angeles, or the 1.5 years in Ithaca. St. Jude's provided our Christian family roots. While this move is different - we don't expect to live in Cupertino again - we continue to draw on our St. Jude's roots, continue to be a part of the larger St. Jude's community, whether found in Cupertino, in Arnold, or on the Redwood Coast. Someday, God willing a long time from now, we expect to be buried in the Memorial Garden.
We pledge in thanksgiving for the blessings given us through St. Jude's, blessings that we continue to receive. We pledge in support of what St. Jude's is and will be as a haven of peace and a beacon of hope for an area and a people for which we have deep love and affection.
| Updated 9/28 /03 |
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