Hi,

     As you probably have figured out by now by reading my weekly letters to you that my life is an open book. My family knows that most of the Cragg family secrets are not really secrets because I write about them here or share them in talks at MYF or other times. They don't particularly like for me to tell some of the stories about the fam, but I guess they have gotten used to it. Kelly still does not like for me to tell the story about the time she cut her hand on a tuna fish can and I suggested that we take her to our vet to check it out. Beverly took her and no stitches were needed: one of my better ideas, I think.

     Anyway, I decided since Covenant Sunday is this Sunday that I would share a few more things about our family. The theme this year is Love Extravagantly. For as long as I can remember, Beverly and I have cheerfully given to this church. We have been married for almost thirty years and over all these years through thick and thin, (This is not necessarily a weight joke about me since thin really does not apply. Maybe through thick and thicker?) we have always had a financial pledge to the church. I am proud to tell you that our pledge has increased every year; some years more than others. It was one of the first checks that we would write each month. Now that I work here, I have it taken out of my check each month even before I get it. It is easy and automatic.

     Now I tell you this to let you know how very important it is for Beverly and me to support our church. We really are cheerful givers. Now I am not going to tell you how much we give to the church. Giving is a covenant between us and God. I will tell you that if the church was not a high priority for our family, we would have money for other things. My family might drive newer cars. We might have a lake house or place at the beach. We might not have a couple of the college loans that we have for Parker and Kelly. I might be wearing designer jeans and suits. Or those European shirts unbuttoned down to my navel. (Well, on second thought, those shirts really don't fit me. By not fitting, I mean I can't button the three bottom buttons. I need the American wide body fit I guess.)

     You get the picture. If we did not give financially to the church, we would have more money for other things. But you see, we have a lot of things. By giving to the church, we are "investing" in the future and also in the present. I don't have to tell you about how Memorial Drive Church makes a difference in the lives of so many. This church blesses us in so many ways. Being a part of something greater is awesome. Beverly and I know that our gifts help. Our part helps complete the whole.

     Now I know that I am just a youth director so let me tell you why I am writing to you about money. I know that almost everyone hates to talk about money and for the church to talk about money. I am not in that group. I know that it takes all of us to be the church. We all are called to support the church with our all. That includes our financial gifts. It matters that you give to the church. You get to decide the amount. All I will say about that is that it ought to "hurt" a bit. By that, I mean that it should be somewhat sacrificial. I say somewhat, because I do struggle with the great abundance in which I live compared to most people in the world. We really don't sacrifice in the strict sense of the word. It should be an amount though that you seriously think about and pray about.

     I can tell you without a doubt that I can't even imagine what our lives would be like without this church. I joined Memorial Drive Church when I was in high school. Beverly and I were married here almost thirty years ago. Both Parker and Kelly were baptized and confirmed here. I have been on staff here for over twenty years. This place is home to our family. In fact, Beverly and I have decided that we will be here forever. We will both be interred in the church columbarium one day. One day a long long time from now hopefully.

     Thanks for letting me share with you about the blessings this church has bestowed upon the Cragg family. Of course, you and your little darlings are a big part of those blessings. Thanks for being a part of our lives.

                            See you Sunday,


                            Steve