“A toast … to my big brother George. The richest man in town!”
—Harry Bailey
The end of the movie “It’s a Wonderful Life” is a joyful celebration of community and generosity and George Bailey’s thankfulness is infectious. At the heart of our relationship to money is living and giving with gratitude–whether the assets we have to give are monetary, or our own capital of time and energy for the sake of the human family. As a result of aligning our money practices with the courageous vision we see for ourselves and our impact on the world, we end our series by looking for the hope that has been cultivated and the possibility that we will transform fear to gratitude in the act of sharing.
I look forward to our time in worship together and sharing in the sacrament of Holy Communion. What better way to show gratitude than by remembering the sacrifice that Jesus made for us and the covenant we make with him.
Acts 4: 32-35
The community of believers was one in heart and mind. None of them would say, “This is mine!” about any of their possessions, but held everything in common. The apostles continued to bear powerful witness to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and an abundance of grace was at work among them all. There were no needy persons among them. Those who owned properties or houses would sell them, bring the proceeds from the sales, and place them in the care and under the authority of the apostles. Then it was distributed to anyone who was in need.
-Pastor Shannon
P.S. – The first person to email me your favorite character in “It’s a Wonderful Life,” gets a gift basket with the books, “Integrating Money and Meaning” and “The Butterfly Effect,” as well as some Christmas items from ‘Tis the Season: Your small town Christmas store!