This Sunday, January 22, 2012, Holy Trinity will hold its Annual Parish Assembly. Historically the meetings have been an excellent opportunity for each of us to review the past year and plan for the next. As part of each church’s Assembly is the review and acceptance of an annual budget.

It can often be a contentious discussion, but thankfully not for us at Holy Trinity. It is in fact, somewhat breezy.

Our parishioners understand Christian giving, whether it be of time, talents, or treasures. The voluntary giving that is practiced at Holy Trinity as opposed to mandating giving (dues), remains the most outstanding form of Christian giving. When one comes to the spiritual understanding of life as a free gift given to us by God and that our life, lived in its very fullness, is our offering back to God, then giving freely is a characteristic of that understanding and Christian calling.

It’s been suggested that over 60% of our Lord’s parables speak of material possessions. This is important because where one’s treasure is, so will their heart be also.

The first portion of each day for that matter should be extended to God in prayer and thanksgiving. Even the time we spent at work is not inseparable from God. God loves the work of man, so it remains necessary, even in the work place, to give constant thanksgiving and glory to him.

Finally, let us thank God for the opportunity to give, to share, to extend ourselves, and never view it as a burden. Let us give joyfully, with purpose and a vision. Let us continue to willingly offer our gifts to God.

Fr Marc Vranes