Thanks for Giving

From the Executive Director...

Fall is the traditional season of stewardship for churches and many non-profit institutions. Many are familiar with the experience of raising funds for institutions in order to fulfill a particular mission.

A focus only on raising funds misses the point of our Reformed understanding of stewardship. As Reformed Christians, we demonstrate that understanding by giving of our time, our talents, as well as our sacred resources. Too frequently, I suspect, we fail to give thanks for those who have shared their gifts of time and talent as well as resources.

For the past several years, PHS has recognized the many volunteers who make a difference in the life of this place. At this November’s board meeting, we acknowledged those individuals who enhance and enrich our work:  our board, the program volunteers who perform a myriad of required tasks and our development volunteers who help us to raise friends as well as funds.

Last, but not least, we are especially appreciative of the individuals who entrust to our care those valuable historical records that help chronicle the story of the American Presbyterian experience. Because of their generosity and trust in PHS, the documentary heritage of the Presbyterian experience in America is richer and more complete.

Maya Angelou once noted that “I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher’s mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.” Indeed, those who serve PHS through giving of their time, talents, and resources exemplify the spirit of her sage advice.

So in this stewardship season, PHS is thankful for the blessing of those who have and continue to serve us and thus make it possible for us to serve others. Their variety of gifts enriches us as a servant community.

Fred Heuser, PhD