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St. John's Cathedral Jacksonville
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Vital Signs of Faith: GIVE

Dear friends,

Our culture is constantly measuring the stuff we have accumulated. How new is your car? How large are your bank accounts? What is the square footage of your house?

When we are young, we are told that we need to make sure we secure our financial future. We need to maximize our IRA and our 401(k). We need to make sure our time is spent securing our future. We shouldn’t sacrifice time to help someone else unless we expect that person to return the favor.

When we are older, our culture tells us that we need to guard what we have accumulated. We are warned not to give away too much because a recession might be just around the corner. The economy could fall apart. Inflation could accelerate. Stocks could plummet.

So, what’s the core message of our culture? You will be happy if you have a lot of stuff. So, get as much as you can. Once you have some stuff and financial security, don’t let it go.

However, Jesus said to his disciples, "Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give alms.”

Our culture calls us to get stuff and guard our possessions. God calls us to give.

If you are reading this email on a phone or a computer, you presumably own that phone or computer. If left to their own devices, very few people will give away all they have. Our natural inclination is to accumulate, so our faith pushes us to think about our possessions differently.

As Jesus explained to his followers, generosity is one of the lynchpins of our faith. God gives to us: “it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom…” In return, we are called to practice generosity. “Give alms,” Jesus commanded.

This directive not only relates to our wealth. We are also called to give generously of our time. We are called to share our knowledge. We are called to share our joys with others, bringing laughter and love more deeply into our communities. We are called to generosity, even when it might mean that we aren’t double and triple secure with our own financial future.

Last Sunday, we launched a sermon series on four vital signs of the faith. This Sunday, we will continue this series by looking at our call to give. I look forward to worshiping with you, as we consider God’s generosity and the example this can provide for each of us.

In Christ,

Mark+


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Service Times

Sundays
8 and 10 a.m.
Children's Chapel during the 10 a.m. service.
Hakimian Nursery available 8:45 to 11:15 a.m.

Wednesdays
12:10 p.m.
Healing Eucharist in Cummings Chapel

Location

St. John's Cathedral Jacksonville
256 East Church Street
Jacksonville, FL 32202

Contact Us
(904) 356-5507

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Pledge Give Now Special Funds Altar Flowers

Your pledge helps us build community within and outside of the walls of the Cathedral. Over the years we have birthed several ministries that are now thriving nonprofits serving and educating in the Urban Core of Jacksonville and beyond.

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Giving online? Click the "Give Online Now" button below to access our giving portal and select "Gen. Donation" for a one-time gift. You may also select "Pledge" to pay your pledge or any of the other funds listed to make a specific donation.

Giving by check? Make your check payable to St. John's Cathedral and mail to 256 E. Church St. Jacksonville, FL 32202
Have a question about giving? Please call our office (904) 356-5507

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Learn about the St. John’s Cathedral Preservation Fund, the Cathedral Builders Fund and the Legacy Society.

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Donate altar flowers in memory of someone or to commemorate a special day such as a birthday or anniversary. The suggested donation is $65.00 and should be sent to: St John's Cathedral, Attention: Accounting/Flower Donation, 256 East Church Street, Jacksonville, FL 32202. Please include the date that you would like the flowers on the altar and any words for the dedication when you send in your donation. Or donate onlinenow.

Thank you! Contact Teresa Mason for more information.