Why I Give to Ladue Chapel

Good morning. I was invited to share a Minute for Mission that answers the question “Why do you give to Ladue Chapel?” And as new members, our reasons for giving are twofold— gratitude and hope

We are grateful for how at home here we feel after 3 years of attending. Without family around we would thought building community in STL would be difficult , but week after week we have gained new friends, role models, and babysitters through worship, through the music program, and through simple moments of kindness in the hallway, and we are so thankful for that sense of belonging.

But I also give because I want a stake in the faith formation of our son and the rest of the children of this community. I feel that we’ve been shown what the church can be for children at its very best: a place where little ones learn they are loved, where questions are welcomed, where faith is nurtured with patience and joy. A place where our children see adults living out generosity, compassion, and service not as slogans, but as habits of the heart.

For my family, building that habit means giving when the world might say, “Save, save, save, until you get that raise!” Or, “If you just wait until that house sells, you’ll be able to give more substantially.” We give now in the hope that our children learn that the earlier you practice giving joyfully, habitually, and responsively, the easier it is to share Gods blessings with others for the rest of your life.

So while practically it’s about keeping the lights on and the piano tuned, starting our family here has made me think about tithing as an investment in unseen moments that shape a young person’s life: a word and wonder craft that teaches them the gospel, encouragement from a congregant that inspires them, a Monday music and more lyric that sticks with them through adulthood, and most simply, a community that knows a child’s name. That can be for them a constant and a sanctuary when there is change or drama at home, school, and in their extracurricular life.

Thank you for being the kind of congregation that inspires giving. I hope this stewardship and thanksgiving season is encouraging to you, and that you know that your time, your presence, your gifts, and your love are what help Ladue Chapel remain a place where faith takes root and grows.