Thoughts from The Junior Warden
By Lee Javins

Stewardship and The Blood Drive

The other evening I attended a George Washington football game. With the smell of freshly cut grass and the sounds of pads cracking on the gridiron, there’s no doubt the Fall season is upon us. While taking in the seasonal sights and sounds, I began contemplating upcoming Fall and Winter events. In the past, my thoughts would have centered on plans for high profile events like Halloween, Thanksgiving, and the Mountaineers. But now that I’m a member of the Vestry, it suddenly occurred to me that the 2007 Budget Campaign will soon be upon us. So, with that, it is time for each of us to contemplate our commitment to Christ and to our Church through stewardship.

Of course, when the subject of stewardship comes up, most think in terms of their annual contribution to Saint Matthews. And while I can only speak for myself when I say that being a part of Saint Matthews has enriched my life, Kim’s life and Grace’s life in ways that are too numerous to mention, the purpose of this piece is not to solicit contributions. That will come later. Instead, I would like to take this opportunity to briefly discuss stewardship through the gift of life. By that I am referring to the Red Cross Blood Drive, which will take place on October 16, 2006 at Mathes Hall. By giving blood, you directly affect needy individuals in a tangible way which no other form of donation can equal.

In past years, Saint Matthews has made a wonderful contribution through its annual blood drive. I, for one, have found past blood drives at Mathes Hall to be fairly pleasant events, all things considered. The brief discomfort of the event is more than offset by the comradery of like-minded individuals who have undertaken a sincere act of stewardship. I encourage each of you to make time to stop by the blood drive on October 16th. Not only will you be serving your fellow man, but chances are you will likely strike up an enjoyable conversation and maybe even make a new friend. Overall, I can think of no better way to spend an hour.

A Reflection on Lent

Lent is a season of soul-searching and repentance.  It’s a season for reflection and deliberation.  A time when the faithful rededicate themselves in preparation for Easter.  With that being said, I would like to share with you my very humble experience just one week into this Lenten season.

I was walking down the hallway of my office, consumed with some particular issue that, at the time, seemed very important.  As I was walking past the coffee maker, I noticed a newly opened box of Girl Scout cookies.  Without thinking, I reached for a cookie to comfort whatever stress was ailing me at the moment, as I have done on countless prior occasions.  And then I remembered, it’s Lent!  So naturally I asked in a voice loud enough for everyone on the floor to hear me, “WHO BROUGHT THE COOKIES?”  A second or two later, one of my assistants informed me that she had brought the cookies for everyone in the office to enjoy, and wondered if that was somehow a problem.  Of course it was a problem — I’d sworn off cookies and other such junk food for Lent.

Moments later I realized I had probably overreacted, to say the least.  After I regained my composure, I paused and focused on the task of preparing my mind for the coming of the Resurrection.  It then dawned on me that the Lenten discipline is a wonderful exercise.  Were it not for my simple sacrifice of junk food, I would have grabbed a cookie and gone on my way without taking time to reflect on what really is important.

With that brief encounter, I was sincerely humbled yet uplifted at the same time.  While Lent is often viewed as a season of fasting, it is truly a season of feasting as well.  With that in mind, there are numerous opportunities at St. Matthews to share in a community centered on Christ.  By the time this has gone to print, hopefully many of you will have attended the Connections party at our home.  We also have the Progressive Dinner, which provides a nice opportunity to not only socialize with one another, but to enrich our spiritual experience.  With so many new faces in the congregation, I hope everyone takes advantage of this wonderful opportunity.  

While I realize my Lenten sacrifice is quite modest, the Lenten discipline truly is a wonderful exercise as we prepare for the coming of Easter.

I wish you all the best as we make our way through this Lenten season.