Your Treasure  --  God's Gift      Jesus is quoted in Matthew (6:21) saying, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also”.  This is a pretty strong statement showing the relationship between one’s commitment to God and how they treat money.  During November the Vestry asks the congregation to take a close look at this very issue.  We are asked to focus on money and its relationship to our Christian spirituality.      Giving is at the heart of the Christian gospel.  All we have, all we are, all we do is God’s gift to us.  Life itself is God’s gift to us.  And of course even love, true love, is an expression of a heavenly gift.  Scripture is focused on God’s abundant and freely given love to you and me.                 Many people struggle with the question of how much to give in response to God’s love.  The Bible is very clear that any time a person wants to be serious about their relationship with God, they're called upon to tithe.  What this means is that 90% of what we’ve received is ours to keep and use as we wish.  The other 10% is to be shared with ministries that live out God’s love.  St. Columba is actively living out God’s ministries and mission.     Your Vestry and the Episcopal Church affirm that the tithe is the standard of giving as we offer our Thanksgiving to God.  Tithing is always about much more than just money.  It is a way of life that in many ways frees us to pursue an active relationship with God and His Son, Jesus Christ.     Last week you should have received a mailing that included information on how to participate in the ministries of this church on a financial basis.  The mailing also included a pledge card and form on how to figure your pledge.  Before you write down any numbers on the card, please take a moment to pray and ask Jesus to help you make your offering to God a reflection of the relationship you have with Him, one that honors Him and reflects your spiritual commitment to Him.     May God bless you all and may He continue to bless St. Columba in the year to come.