The Joy of Giving
Testimonials from Emmanuel parishioners to the Joy of Giving
Valerie Martin
Ellen Vadney
Barbara Roos
Nancy Allan
Melissa Kitchen
Joan Soares
The Joy of Giving- Valerie Martin
We have an ambitious Stewardship goal that has been given the “Go Ahead” from our Vestry. We want to raise at least $200K in pledges for this coming year. This represents less than two-thirds of our annual operating expenses - which includes the mortgage on the new roof.
You may remember from Bill’s and my letter to you that we are looking for all of us at a minimum to take a forward step in our pledge dollars by at least 12%. On Tuesday at the Vestry Meeting all of the vestry members present and rector in total pledged an increase in their pledges of 39%. This is certainly a great start. We need all of you who join us as members of our church family to commit your support to having this beautiful church, phenomenal ministry, ever expanding programs and outreach by pledging. Emmanuel only had 75 pledging individuals/families last year. Bill and I are hoping to get that number up to 100 this year. We have a number of parishioners that come regularly and do not commit to a pledge. I ask that you do.
I want to share with you today my personal story as a member of Emmanuel and the joy of giving, not only here at Emmanuel, but in other areas of my life.
I came to Emmanuel in 1986 because my sister LeEtta and her former husband Billy belonged to Emmanuel. Billy was the Sexton at that time. I originally belonged to Trinity when I lived in Newport and belonged to Holy Trinity in Tiverton when I lived there. I had two small children when we joined Emmanuel. Both were confirmed here and one has been married here. Both of my parents and my sister Michele had their funerals here.
I have Lil Hargrove to thank for getting me more actively involved in Emmanuel. She’d ask if I could help at a fair, or would I be on the vestry – I agreed. Others have called to ask if I would bake. I agreed. I was on the Vestry for three years with 2.5 as Treasurer. I was asked if I would lead the Search Committee for a new rector and I was happy to do that. Most recently I was asked to Co-chair the Stewardship Committee and I was happy to do that. I also chair the Emmanuel Church Scholarship Committee. I serve on the board of the RI State Nurses Association and am on the Board of the Gizzi Family Health Inc. and Chair the Michele Gizzi Nursing Scholarship Committee.
I am blessed with a wonderful husband that I love, two children, a son-in-law, three grandchildren, two sisters and their families, and Michael’s two remaining siblings and their extended families that I love and I know that they love me. I am also blessed with wonderful close friends that I love, and a job that keeps me challenged every day.
I am fortunate to be able to set up a philanthropy account every year through my work at Newport Hospital where I can make lump sum donations through the United Way to those agencies that I believe help the people in our community. The agencies I support are: Newport Hospital, the United Way Community Impact Fund, the Salvation Army – Newport Corps, Episcopal Relief and Development, Unicef, the Potter League for Animals, Salve Regina University, URI, and the Rhode Island State Nurses Association.
I feel that I am making a difference in the world even if it is only a small part of this world – I am giving back for all I have been blessed with. Giving of myself, my time, my talents, and Michael’s and my treasure helps me to do God’s work in my way and this makes me joyful.
When my children were young, and Mike and I were trying to make ends meet and save – save for the children’s college education, pay for my college and post graduate education and now to save for retirement. I can remember increasing my pledge by a dollar at a time because that was all I believed I could afford. It wasn’t until I became the treasurer that I began to understand what it takes to run this church and how insufficient my pledge was given what I could truly afford to give. Today I am committing before you to increase my pledge to Emmanuel by 50% and I pray that you will commit to Emmanuel and make a pledge. If you presently pledge I ask that you consider taking a forward step by increasing your pledge by at least 12%.
Thank you,
The Joy of Giving - Ellen Vadney
As you may know, I’m presently the Junior Warden. I’m also in the choir and also a Eucharistic Minister.
I’ve been a pledging church member since I graduated from college and got my first adult job. It was only part time, and I still had to live at home, so without any compunction I pledged a tithe – actually a double tithe of my income. When you don’t have any money, it’s easy to tithe. I’d attended that parish – St Mark’s-on-the-Mesa in Albuquerque – since high school when I got my driver’s license and drove myself to church. I participated as an acolyte every Sunday all through high school and college, and, after my pledge, as vestry clerk. It just always felt like the right thing to do because of the sense of belonging I had at St Mark’s.
I’ve always carried pledging and participation to every parish I’ve belonged to ever since. I’ve belonged to the choirs at St Andrew’s Church in Arlington, and St Luke’s Cathedral in Orlando. I met my husband in a Bible study at St Andrew’s. I’ve been a Eucharistic minister and lector at Ascension Church in Dallas and at St Mark’s Cathedral in Minneapolis. I’ve also completed Education for Ministry, a four program of theological education for the laity, and then mentored it for another five years. I served on the Search Committee that brought Anita here, participated in the Crop Walk, and I’ve helped out at Soup’s On and the Community Breakfast and taken a turn or two at cooking for them. I’ve not been able to tithe because of my expenses with my family, but now that they’re almost all out of the house, it’s something I can work towards, although I spread my charitable giving beyond the parish. I also send money regularly to help my mother who lives on a limited income.
To find joy in giving, you can start by giving away little things regularly. I’m always giving things to my family and friends. I see a small need, and I fill it. I’ve provided gift baskets for the silent auction. I’ve also gotten the Music Director a decent can of nuts! Or a door bell for the school. I regularly provide candy for the office candy jar. Or sometimes, it’s spending your time for someone. Sometimes it’s taking time off work to spend with your family or friends. I’ve taken time off work to help with the Royal School of Church Music, and I look forward to doing the same next year. I also arrive early on Friday for choir practice so that there are two Safe Church-trained adults for the choristers. Or helping wave a sign for your husband’s campaign. Giving is not a burden – giving is really fun!
Ellen Vadney, Junior Warden -BACK TO TOP-
The Joy of Giving - Barbara Roos
I’m Barbara Roos. My family - Pieter, my husband, our two daughters, Charlotte and Annika, and I are parishioners of Emmanuel Church.
When Valerie asked if I would speak regarding the joy of giving, I was quite frankly overjoyed. Then the reality of actually preparing something hit me. What would I say, how would I format it? I took some time to reflect upon what that meant: the joy of giving. How does that impact my life here at Emmanuel Church? How does that impact my life on Aquidneck Island; in RI; in the United States; in the world?
What I discovered is that I am part of a greater circle of giving. I have had the privilege of being both the recipient and the giver.
Here is my story.
Pieter and I moved to Aquidneck Island from New Jersey in 1993. We started actively looking for churches in the summer and fall of 1995 when I was pregnant with our older daughter, Charlotte.
Pieter was raised Congregationalist and I was raised Roman Catholic – we were looking for something that would meet both our spiritual needs.
We were on the receiving end of the joy of giving when Krista Wright, daughter of Peter and Betty Lou Wright, suggested that we try a service at her parish, Emmanuel Church. Pieter and I were doing a summer stock show with Krista at Roger Williams University. Krista gave us the gift of her evangelism.
When we came to Emmanuel, we were immediately drawn to the architecture, the wonderful timbre of the organ, but most importantly the outreach of the congregation. After our first service, a gentleman walked up to us and asked us our names and had a lovely chat with us.
The next week we came, the same thing happened after coffee hour. The same gentleman approached us saying, “Hello, Barbara and Pieter, it’s nice to see you here again”. Again, we were on the receiving end of the joy of giving. Thank you, Jack Allen, for the gift your hospitality.
Six months later we were attending church regularly. I was due with Charlotte on Good Friday that year. She was waiting to make her appearance. So Easter Sunday found us in church. Nancy Allen asked us if we would like to carry up the elements because “our hands would be full” in a couple of days. I felt warmth and comfort - we found our spiritual home! I had tears in my eyes as we proceeded up the center aisle. Again, my family was on the receiving end of giving. Than you, Nancy, for making us feel a part of the congregation those many years ago.
Finally, five days later Charlotte was born. The following Sunday, someone told us that when the word was out that it was a baby girl, a pink rose was placed on the altar as part of the arrangement to acknowledge Charlotte’s arrival.
The same outreach continued when we brought Annika home from Russia. Members of our congregation prepared food, made stuffed toys and welcomed her into all of our hearts.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity of joyful giving experiences in varied roles at Emmanuel as a: Lector, Choir Member, Sunday School Substitute, Coffee Hour Hostess, Flower Guild participant, and Church Auditor.
In the greater community on Aquidneck Island I volunteer at my children’s schools.
We support various non-profit organizations.
This year when we received the stewardship letter, it was a pleasure and an opportunity to continue our gift of giving by advancing our pledge by 12 %. We give because it’s all important to us: the mission of the Episcopal church, the mission of Emmanuel Church, the building, the music, and most importantly – the people.
So the joy of giving to Emmanuel is the continuation of the circle of giving that I have had the privilege to receive. The joy of giving for me is the joy of being able to give back to Emmanuel. I am grateful every day. I want to perpetuate in my own small ways, the gifts I received and continue to receive.
Thank you for allowing me the gift of sharing my story with you.
All Saints’ Day: Saints in My Life - Nancy Allan
I am an Emmanuel Cradle Roll product. I was brought to Emmanuel by my older brother and sister to be in Mrs. Johnson’s Sunday school class. I was three and the saintly Mrs. Johnson taught me my first hymns- “Jesus loves me” and “The B-I-B-L-E”. By seven I was in the girls’ choir under the direction of Mr. Alfred Swinden and stayed for Sunday school with Miss Shirley Palmer. Miss Palmer had no children but she adopted my class. I stayed with her until confirmation class, but she stayed with me my whole life- writing short notes and talking after church as I finished college, married and started my family. I loved Shirley Palmer. Emmanuel also was fortunate in having Sister Ann Fidelia who started a girls’ club, the Fleur de Lis. Sister Ann was a college student at the Rhode Island School of Design. Her epiphany moment was realizing that all goodness and beauty are gifts of God. She changed her life direction and took holy orders. As a teenager Rev. David Quimley Williams led the Young People’s Fellowship and challenged the group to take ownership of our church, setting us tasks we could accomplish with Christian fellowship and fun. By adulthood having been so nurtured I could continue on a path set by those lovely, loving saints. I knew that as I gave, I would receive.
I continued and will continue to give time and financial support. I served on the vestry, as the Sunday school Director, Senior warden, flower guild and church gardener. Different times use different skills.
Each Sunday we hear “The gift of God for the people of God”. No greater gift has ever been given. My life is filled with so many gifts and the gifts were given when I was so young and continued. My “saints” were the examples of the lifestyle I wanted to follow. They knew joy.
Nancy Allan, Emmanuel Parishioner and Flower Guild Chair -BACK TO TOP-
What Emmanuel Means to Me - Melissa Kitchen
When asked to share my Joy of Giving and what Emmanuel means to me I was very honored, because coming to Emmanuel was a very purposeful decision. It started when Curtis, Ben and I came to church with my sister Allison one sunny Sunday in July.
After living for 6 years in Las Vegas, NV I had been searching for a church. I had been visiting several churches in our area, but none ever felt quite right. At the time I wasn’t quite sure why, that was, until I came to Emmanuel. I actually was in tears as that summer was ending and I was thinking I wouldn’t be able to make the trip every weekend in the fall and winter. I had visited other Episcopal churches, but I felt that Emmanuel was already my church. And so here we are almost a year and a half later.
And now as a true teacher I offer you an acrostic poem.
What Emmanuel means to me:
E is for every member who reaches out in kindness and support each Sunday. I am so thankful for the intergenerational relationships I have developed here. As a member of the Sunday Salon I am so blessed to draw from the perspective of women from their 20’s to their 80’s.
M is for the music that my boys and I have been so involved in. Thanks to the Youth Chorister program that Allen has been directing, the boys have learned to read music, appreciate church music and hymns, introduced to music theory, and have made new friends. They also were blessed to be a part of the RSCM Summer Music Workshop held here in Newport last August. It was a memorable experience that we will never forget. And I enjoy the times when I am able to sing with the choir also. What a great group of people.
M is for my Mom who was also a Sunday school teacher at St. David’s in South Yarmouth on the Cape. She is no longer with us, and she had never come to Emmanuel, but I can’t help think she is big reason that we are here now. She was not raised in the Episcopal church, but rather made her own purposeful decision that fit her values and faith. I know she put a lot of time into what would be a good fit for us as a family. I am always surprised by how I continue to follow in her footsteps. And one way I give to Emmanuel is as a Sunday school teacher each Sunday. This is also a way I pass along her gift of faith to my boys and other children of the parish.
A is for Allison, my sister, who has not only shared her church with us, but also who is a true example of a Godmother to Curtis and Ben as I raise them to find their own strength and faith in God. Without her we might still be searching.
N is for Newport. I mentioned I had grown up on the Cape so, yes even though we drive 50 minutes each way every Friday and Sunday it brings me close to the Ocean which is one place I have always felt closer to God.
U is for unusually delicious coffee hours. Another way I give to Emmanuel is by joining with others or signing up just the boys and I and host a coffee hour. It is so wonderful to take some time to visit and get to know each member of our parish with a small snack before we all begin another busy week.
E is for every penny counting. We have seen miracles happen in regards to seeking funding and loans for the roof work, and this is proof of the power in numbers and that every small part we each play does make a difference. We call Emmanuel home and so I know I have a duty as well as a desire to help keep our home running.
L is for location. The church is not about the building alone, but how blessed are we to have such an amazing place to come and worship each Sunday. Every Sunday I come and sit in the pew, and take in the woodwork, the stained glass windows, the amazing paintings and I can feel the presence of the many who called Emmanuel their own throughout the years, because Emmanuel truly is “The church of the people.”
It is all of this that I keep in mind when I give to Emmanuel each week. It has been tough some weeks, as my husband has been starting his own business, but I look at how much we “get” from Emmanuel and the decision to scrimp in other places comes easily.
Melissa Kitchen, Emmanuel Parishioner -BACK TO TOP-
The Joy of Giving - Joan Soares
Several years ago, as a little girl, perhaps 7 or 8, I attended a wedding at Emmanuel Church of one of our neighbors. It was the Grosvenor girl (Miss Ann) I believe her name was who lived at “Hilltop” across the street from our house. My mother took me and my sister Theresa to the wedding. I thought it was a beautiful church and I was in awe of it. Raised as Roman Catholic with two brothers, priests and a sister who is a sister of St. Joseph, it was not an easy decision to make- 63 years as a Roman Catholic and six years as an Episcopalian. My dad had died in 2000 at 101 years of age and in 2001 I first attended Emmanuel Church. I had been rushed to Newport Hospital on July 4, 2001 on a 911 call and diagnosed with resting angina. I had searched for many years for a people’s church who worked for the poor and homeless, etc. Emmanuel Church welcomed me and my cousin Pat with open arms and it a very warm welcoming congregation. Hazel Gaines was shocked to see me when she found me in the back pew and said, “What are you doing here?”. She kindly stayed with me and showed me how to use the Book of Common Prayer and the hymnal very kindly which is her way. My neighbor’s daughter, Judy Gaines Barnard died and Pat and I attended her funeral and it was a very occasion but also a joyous one. I teared up hearing “Daddy’s Little Girl” as I had lost my father 5 months previous to this funeral. Paula Ottilige asked us if we wanted budget envelopes and we were very pleased that she asked us having seen us weekly in the back pew. I guess she knew we were there to stay and we were. My late husband, John asked me why I didn’t attend Emmanuel Church as it was nearer and he said “there’s only one God” and I didn’t have an answer to that. I have since done the Coffee Hour, helped with clean up, helped with the Fall Festival committee, joined the choir, I’m a lector, and joined the Tuesday Ladies Sewing Group. They accepted me even though I’m the only one that doesn’t knit or crochet and even welcomes my Pug, “Oliver” into Chapel and on an occasional Tuesday and miracle of miracles, he behaved himself and loves the ladies there. I am happy to pledge and have increased my pledge this year as I have found my church and am even going to be buried in the Columbarium. That’s how committed I am to Emmanuel Church. Between monthly soup kitchen, Seamen’s Institute, Lucy’s Hearth, and other outreach programs such as the Mission Trip in which I’m attending for the first time in April are among the many reasons why I love Emmanuel Church! This is the story of what attracted me to Emmanuel Church and besides marrying my late husband John forty-five years ago and becoming a mother and a grandmother, this is by far one of the best decisions if not the best decision I’ve ever made and to which I’m most grateful for the welcoming congregation. For all of you who have not pledged, I ask that you do so in a generous and affordable manner! Thank you.
