Lean forward and take the wallet of the person sitting in front of you and give to the church like you've always wanted to give. This is what was said before the offering at the Professional Days of General Assembly. Like now, a ripple of surprise then laughter went through the entire congregation. I don't remember the name of my colleague who made this unusual introduction to the offertory but his words have stuck with me even two years later. He said that laughter often inspires generosity and went on to say that all people in their heart of hearts want to give with an open hand. Of course, neither he nor I are recommending theft as a way of increasing church finances. What this statement highlights is that our attachment to money and our mistaken belief that money is the key to a fulfilling life, sometimes blocks our ability to give as generously as we would truly like. As Benjamin Franklin said in his characteristically simple and wise manner, "The use of money is all the advantage there is in having money."

I recognize that there is a wide range of incomes in this sanctuary and in this vicinity. The tourist season accentuates the growing disparity between the classes with affluent people returning to summer homes and yachts just short of modern castles. At the same time, the local soup kitchen program serves people daily who do not have the resources for the most basic needs like food. The issues of hunger, economics, housing and class could inspire several sermons, discussions, and social justice projects in and of themselves. However, the focus of today's worship service is upon generosity as a spiritual practice in our lives and specifically within our religious community.

The piece by Kahlil Gibran that Mary Alice read this morning beautifully articulates that it is not the amount that we give that is essential but the quality and intention behind our giving that is the most precious. When I give only out of desire for recognition, my "hidden desire makes [my] gift unwholesome". That is, my generosity is not complete. In most cases, it is better to give to another even when the reasons are not completely altruistic. However, when I hold an expectation of a reward in return for my actions, there is a string attached. I am not truly offering with an open hand. Gibran reminds us that when we "give unasked, through understanding", our actions are like the most sacred workings of Nature: "They give as in yonder valley the myrtle breathes its fragrance into space". According to Gibran, to be a generous giver and a glad receiver is to "believe in life and in the bounty of life."

I invite you to consider the gifts that you have received that were the most life affirming. Some of them may have been material: a much needed loan, a family heirloom, a handcrafted object, a place to stay, a note of appreciation, a home cooked meal. Some of them may have arrived in other forms: a kind word, a hand to hold, a knowing look, a walk upon the beach. Somehow it is easier to translate those moments of pure joy when I have been touched by another's act of love into understanding of what it means to "give without mindfulness of virtue".

As members of a congregation, we recognize that we are not isolated beings but connected to a larger Spirit of Life. To be in relationship with people in all stages of life means that we are more aware of life's passages: birth, coming of age, services of union, death. These precious moments of transition are opportunities for sharing and connection. Our lives are made richer through listening to one another's struggles, offering our own experiences, and reaching out to the stranger.

Here at Channing Memorial Church, there are opportunities to be in relationship with people of all ages. The children and youth join us for the first portion of each Sunday and sometimes for the whole worship service. Adults volunteer to teach religious education classes. All ages care for our buildings and grounds during our work and worship Sundays. On March 4th, adults and children were paired up during our Secret Friends event. It was fun to watch as the pairs exchanged brightly decorated bags filled with information about themselves, a favorite snack, a poem, an object from a favorite place and a gift. This was a practice in generosity as adults and children met a new person in the congregation and shared with one another.

We do not come to church to escape from the realities of living but to reflect upon their deeper meanings. The sharing of joys and concerns during our worship service demonstrates that the sacred is found in our daily experience. This congregation has learned in recent years to be ever more caring of one another. I am deeply grateful to members of the Caregiving Committee who reach out to congregants in need, offering compassionate support and practical assistance. On many occasions, I have been moved by the network of support among the membership and the ways that this is indeed a shared ministry. Generosity is a core religious value. Gifts of time and caring are precious.

Compassion is a spiritual practice that we may never master completely. It is always easier to reach out to people with whom we have an existing relationship. I am proud to say that as a religious community we continue to make strides in welcoming newcomers. Many people have told me that they have felt warmly welcomed as they enter through our doors for the first time. The Membership Committee has encouraged us to extend a hand of fellowship to visitors and openly offer information about our church. Indeed, the health of a congregation is demonstrated by the way it relates to the stranger.

For those of you who are newcomers, we ask for your assistance in becoming more generous people. Please let us know your needs. If there are areas in your life where you are struggling and need support, please contact the Caregiving coordinator or myself. If you have questions about membership, Religious Education, Unitarian Universalism, or the workings of Channing Memorial Church, you are welcome to call on any of the lay leaders listed on the back of your order of service or to strike up a conversation during Fellowship Hour. Sometimes a visitor will feel somewhat embarrassed to ask questions. Really, you honor us with your presence and your interest. Most Unitarian Universalists love to talk and enjoy sharing about our religious home, which is a meaningful part of our lives.

The story that John Burnham read this morning is a fanciful example of an intentional community. Roxaboxen is found on a hill where children create imaginary homes, businesses, laws, and religion. The gifts and talents of each member are valued. My favorite line in the whole book is "Marian was mayor, of course; that was just the way she was. Nobody minded." There were plenty of shops selling sweet things to eat. There was even a war "but when you reached your fort you were safe". In Roxaboxen, everyone had plenty of money (round black pebbles). They discovered some buried treasure and sometimes they came across it when they weren't even looking.

I chose this story for Canvass Sunday in part because it highlights that money is a form of exchange, a transfer, a transaction. Money is a symbol of interconnectedness. Once again, it is not the amount of money that we possess that is essential but how we use the resources that we have that is most precious. How we choose to spend our money is an expression of our values. Just as we are growing in our ability to care for one another and reach out to the stranger, increased financial giving is a sign of commitment to a larger whole.

Over the past three years, charitable giving to Channing Memorial Church has increased significantly. Those same three years were times of transition. The congregation pulled together after a painful parting with the long-term settled minister in 1997. There was a year of lay leadership in which members of the church conducted all aspects of church life: worship, pastoral care, religious education, and so on without the support of professional religious leadership. Some people left the church at that difficult time. Those who stayed took greater ownership and involvement in church life. Along the way, people discovered the gifts that they could offer and enriched each other's lives through fellowship and service. In 1998, the Rev. Dan Hotchkiss came on board as a consulting minister. The congregation went through a careful yearlong process of deciding whether to pursue a full-time professional ministry. With a sense of mission and common purpose, the congregation raised its pledging by 50% in 1999. Last year, the Rev. Melora Lynn Crooker worked with you as you strengthened your commitment to "Ministry Together". Your vision was of "first-rate, full-time professional ministry working with strong lay leaders to produce an excellent program of year-round worship, religious education, pastoral care, community outreach, and expanded activities for all ages".

I was delighted to accept your call as the settled minister of Channing Memorial Church. This congregation is one that takes pride and responsibility in church life. It is a joy to work in collaboration with you. There is a stable financial base and a clear understanding that ministry belongs to all of us. We can take great pride in what has been accomplished.

Now the question is not will we survive but will we flourish? Our membership is growing and the word is spreading about who we are and all that we offer as a religious community. We are still a small congregation and although we are on the cusp of being considered a mid-sized church, the contribution of each person is essential to our well-being and future. We cannot be complacent. Considering how far we have come in such a short time, where do we want to go from here?

The theme of this canvass is "Strengthening What Connects Us, Shaping Our Spiritual Home". This is the time to build upon the solid foundation that has been laid. Now that we have launched our new partnership, as full-time settled minister and strong lay leaders, we must begin to make plans for the future. The Governing Board and myself are developing a process where the entire congregation will engage in comprehensive long-range planning. Where would we like to be in two years? Five years? What are our long-range goals as a religious community?

We are just beginning to discover the possibilities within our grasp. The Director of Religious Education could gradually be increased to a full-time position to develop our program of classes and related activities for children and youth. Our worship services could be further enhanced through use of the arts, expansion of the music program, and as a dynamic place to encounter a variety of religious and social issues. We can strengthen the practice of shared ministry through training, programs, and small group discussions. Adult Enrichment programs and support groups could offer a safe place to explore the questions of life in an open-minded way. Our buildings need to be cared for and offer possibilities for new program space for our use. Through outreach and social justice work, we could make a difference and bring an inclusive message to the community at large. Achieving these goals will require continued and increased commitment on the part of all our members and friends--- commitment of time, creative energy, and money. This investment helps us to grow in our own religious faith as well as helping to manifest our values in the world.

Unitarian Universalism has a healing message for many who have been wounded by religion. Whenever I am asked to do rites of passage, I am reminded of our life-affirming approach. For example, a Greek Orthodox man was unable to have a Rabbi perform the funeral for his Jewish wife because she did not belong to a congregation. He turned to us for support. A divorced Catholic woman who was forbidden to be remarried in the church where she grew-up came to Channing to celebrate her new commitment. Couples who have no religious background are often surprised that we honor their values and perspectives. Many times people say to me, "I have been a Unitarian Universalist all along. I just had no idea that there was a place for me!"

As a Unitarian Universalist congregation, our tradition affirms that the purpose of religion is to discover, build and reveal relatedness, not just among people who think and act alike but in the widest possible circles. Facts of age, gender, varying ability, race, ethnicity, and sexual orientation are not only tolerated but celebrated. Our liberal religious faith invites you to bring all of who you are: mind, body and spirit into a community of seekers that we might live lives touched by beauty, informed by experience, and working for justice.

May it be so.

[This sermon is indebted to Creating Congregations of Generous People by Michael Durall.]