October 28, 2007; The 22nd Sunday after Pentecost Readings: Jeremiah 14:7-10,19-22; 2 Timothy 4:6-8,16-18; Luke 18:9-14; Psalm 84:1-6.   The Rev. Dr. Hilary B. Smith Connected to All Our focus on stewardship during the month of October has addressed what we value, the abundance of blessings in our lives, what it means to be grateful to God, and the needs of our neighbors. Today we are considering our call to help others, which is at its core a realization that we are connected to all. Stewardship in the Christian tradition is the result of understanding relationships and the mission of the church. Our stewardship of our time, talent, and financial resources, says a lot about our understanding of who God is, who we are, and to whom we are connected. There is an external pledge; you will have the opportunity to place your pledge card on the altar next week as an act of faith and thanksgiving. But the process by which we come to pledge ourselves to God begins within us and is an on-going adventure of growth in faith, hope, and charity-a process, an adventure, initiated and sustained by God. Jesus is clear in the parable from Luke that one who trusts in one's self is going to miss the mark. The Pharisee, standing by himself, did not think that he was not like other people. Regarding others with contempt and trusting in himself, the Pharisee focused on external signs of his righteousness. But where was his heart? Where was he spiritually? Yes, he fasted and gave money, but...what was his relationship with God and others? The Pharisee did not see his connection to others but judged them and considered himself better than them. I believe one of the most dangerous pitfalls for us in life, both in practical ways and in spiritual ways, is a lack of connection with others. When we start to separate ourselves and speak of "us" and "them," we are in serious trouble. One of the most exciting aspects of being a Christian in our world today is the chance to be a member of a loving community that reaches out beyond ourselves because we know that every person is our brother or sister in God. Our faith teaches us that we have been created for each other. Life is not an individual race to the finish line, but rather a time to grow, certainly as individuals, but also as members of the human community. Life outside of the church does not always promote community, but rather competition and judgment. Like the Pharisee, many stand apart from those they judge as being beneath them and unlike them. We are called to something different-to see what connects us to those whose circumstances appear to be different than our own. Our faith in God brings us into relationship with all and, when people are in need, to help them. Interestingly, it works the other way too: our relationship with others and our efforts to help those in need, connects us with God and helps our faith to grow. As individuals and as a community of faith, we do many good things for each other, our neighbors, and our community. God has given us so much and we are stewards of it. As Roger Inger, our senior warden, reminded us in his stewardship letter: "There but for the grace of God go I." All that we have is a gift to be used wisely. We know that ultimately what we "get" for ourselves in life will be gone. But what we give to others--the love given and the love created----will last. Isolation and self-righteousness are not part of an active life of faith. God calls us to be a community not just for our own benefit but also for the benefit of others. The financial pledge that you and I will make to the church this year is more important that any of us can know. Because of your contributes of time, talent and money, the church is able to fulfill its mission. You may not be aware that all of the money to fund the mission of the church is provided by its members and others who attend. What we give determines what shape the ministry will take and who, and how, we can help. God works through this community in ways that are visible and in ways that are invisible. Today you will hear from a member of our church who is involved with our ministry to the hungry, what we call St. Paul's Table-this is one of the visible ways that we help those in need. We are fed here. We are all equal here. We know every person has been created in the image of God and we treat each other accordingly. We are one body because we share in the body of Christ. Through a generous act of grace, God has called us here today to be fed so that we can feed others. It is no accident that the central act of worship is one involving food. In the elements of bread and wine, we receive nourishment for our bodies, and, in the sacrament of Christ's body and blood, we receive nourishment for our souls. We are not able to stand far off from any person, or allow another to stand far off from us, and act as though we are not connected because we know through God's call to us, and God's gift to us, we are untied in Christ. Week in and week out, as we participate in the worship and in fellowship, we are strengthened and ever increasing in faith, hope, and charity. Amen.