Burdett Presbyterian Church is grateful for ongoing and generous financial support. Without it, we could not afford to keep the doors of our small church open. And therein is our dilemma. Our nation and the world continue to face tough economic times. Millions, including folks in our congregation, have lost jobs and are searching for work. Others have seen retirement plans impacted by unsettled financial markets. Even our church’s small trust fund has taken a hit.

You work hard to pay bills, provide food and shelter for your family and plan for retirement. It seems unfair to ask for your continued financial support of our church---let alone an even greater financial commitment.

In his devotional novel, In His Steps, author Charles Sheldon imagined an entire small town asking “What would Jesus do in this situation?” and, “What would further Christ’s cause?” Merely asking those questions transformed lives. That was fiction….this is reality. That was “Raymond, USA” and this is Schuyler County, New York.

During tough times, the church must keep its doors open. Jesus asks us to care for those who are sick, hungry, lonely, abused and forgotten. And the reality of keeping the doors open requires money. Fuel, electric, insurance and phone bills must be paid, along with Dick Evans. Not to mention mission efforts to care for those less fortunate.

November 28th marks the start of the Advent season. Consider the many gifts God has poured upon you. Reflect on the celebrations and joys of your heart. In prayer, contemplate what God has given you and what you should return to God and others. Ask yourself “what you can afford,” but also ask “What does Jesus need?” Christ needs committed disciples, loving hearts and cheerful, generous stewards of the gifts entrusted to us.

Who knows, if enough of us ask the right question, and if enough of us answer it in faith, maybe we really can change reality!