Mary Jane's Story of Generosity

My First connection with FUMC was as an IU freshman.  My roommate & I were both Methodists so we attended Sunday mornings and also the Sunday eve college group — supper was served!

40 years later, my husband and I moved to Bloomington in retirement. Our Terre Haute pastor suggested we check out FUMC. We joined in January 1997, about 6 weeks after coming our first Sunday. Besides worship and Sunday School, we were active in other activities — Bob as the liaison between church staff and the contractors as the church was reconfigured and we added new space. I joined UMW and later helped with the communion servers.

Generosity means first of all – GIVING.  But it also means “not being Stingy”.  Giving what you think you can and then some more of what you thought you couldn’t part with  -- not just financial wealth but also time and possessions.

As I grow older and more observant, I realize I have lots of ways to be generous. It means taking time to make a phone call or send a card to a shut in or distant relative.  I have been the special person of the week and was surprised how many people sent cards — several whom I do not even know.  A neighbor has brought in my mail and taken by trash bin to the street.  Friends from church have brought many food items.  All these take time from otherwise already busy people and it says to me that I need to make better use of my time and talents. 

As every year goes by, I realize how much more I can financially support our local church and also denominational activities.  I used to put a “limit” on what I could give – but by going beyond that I have received much in return.  I feel better and I want to give more. 

I hope others will “try” giving generously — giving more than they thought they could. Maybe not in just financial gifts but also in time and material items. By investing time and effort, we all become more like “owners” of anything and want it to succeed.  I applaud those who give their time generously to prepare and teach Sunday School, sing in the choir and lead the various laity groups in the church. 

It does take all of us working and giving to be God’s people, doing His work.

— Mary Jane Compton