As we approach Thanksgiving, we start counting the things in our lives for which we are thankful for, and I count each of you. I continue to feel incredibly supported by you and by your prayers and your love for my family. Thank you. We still need your support, so keep it coming!

I'm grateful, too, for the richness of life that we have together at Marble. I guarantee you, there are few, if any, progressive churches in this city that gather a community as diverse and loving as ours. You make that possible when you bring your honesty and your faithfulness to the church every Sunday.

This upcoming Sunday is Commitment Sunday at Marble. During worship, you will turn in your pledge card, upon which you are to indicate your pledge of support for Marble in 2010. I know all of you will give some kind of financial gift.

Here are three reasons to give money to this church this year:

1) This church is important to the world. A community, founded upon Jesus' sacrificial love, that cares for and nurtures its members and the world around it, is important. Life on this earth would be harder, suffering would be greater, overall goodness would be diminished if this church did not exist. If you think so, give money.

2) The ministry of this church is important to you. Worship feeds you. The music enlivens you. The education edifies you. The pastors relate to you. The food fills you up. The community cares for you. The opportunities to serve excite you. If you agree, give money.

3) You see a future for this church. While many of us are living hand-to-mouth and day-to-day, we are also looking to invest in things that are going to make a difference in the long run. You like the changes that are taking place here since Dr. Brown arrived. You see a place for yourself here in the future. You feel like you matter here and that this is a community where you will continue to grow in faith. You think God is at work in our midst. If you agree, give money and help the vision grow.

Some of you have expressed to me that you are uncomfortable giving because you feel the church has not been fiscally transparent enough and that the budgeting process does not sufficiently include congregational input. I agree. To you, I suggest that you attach a letter to the Board of Elders and Deacons along with your pledge clarifying your opinions and indicating that you expect to see more transparency and congregational participation in the future.

How much to give? At minimum, 10% of all of our after-tax resources should be given away—I am quite convinced of that. If you can give more, do. If you can't give that away this year, save enough so that next year you can—and make a pledge accordingly.

Thank you in advance for your generosity.