Nuts and Bolts

For the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God. 2 Corinthians 9:12

Dear Friends in Christ,

We don’t usually talk much about the nuts and bolts of parish ministry, and that’s usually appropriate. Depth of devotion to God, prayer life, care and service, worship and study—those are the key parts of discipleship. But these ministries are helped and supported by ordinary things like air conditioning, lights and garbage pick-up. There is nothing theologically profound about asphalt, nothing glamorous about insurance, and yet, these nuts and bolts of church life help empower effective ministry. We can easily stir up support for exciting causes, such as a new organ or a new road sign. And it is good that we give to such causes—they glorify God in music and connecting with our neighbors. But rarely is someone excited enough to say “I am so glad to have funded toilet paper for the church this year!”

But, of course, we need toilet paper (just think of what would happen to participation if we didn’t have any). We need lawn service and copier toner and coffee. We need staff to lead ministry, so we need accounting and funding for payroll taxes and health insurance. Indeed, health insurance might be 15% of our annual budget next year, a staggering figure. Staff compensation is the lion’s share of any church budget, including ours. And, as faithful Christians, we support the needs of others with food, clothes, shelter, and in ministries such as St. Jude’s and Holy Comforter, both in direct support, and the support of Diocesan ministries that fund them.

Those nuts and bolts, as pedantic and ordinary as they are, strengthen the body of Christ and the pursuit of our mission. Leaders in the church plan and lead carefully so as to be good stewards of these resources that God has given into our care—to glorify him and serve the mission to which he has called us. When you support the parish with finances, as with your time and talent and service and prayers, you help strengthen the body of Christ. When you make a pledge of support—a financial pledge, or a commitment to participate or lead—you help leaders plan ministry better and budget better, knowing what our resources will be.

Thanks to all of you who participate in our mission, in all the spiritual and practical ways that help us flourish, right down to the nuts and bolts.

May God bless you in all things, large and small.

Yours in Christ,

-Tom