This week’s e-votional comes from the Rev. Dr. John Odom, Executive Presbyter of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley. PPC is one of over 50 churches in our presbytery, which is a regional group of Presbyterian congregations that join together in mission and support of one another’s ministries. Here Rev. Odom reflects on Generosity Season in our churches, inviting us to experience the connection between generosity and our own feelings of joy, happiness, meaning, and purpose.
Be Happy; Donate Money
By Rev. Dr. John Odom, Executive Presbyter
Did you feel the happiness increase? On Wednesday, October 15, the Presbytery of Genesee Valley grew in grace and faith. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony/press conference inaugurating Rochester’s new 25-bed, no-barrier, homeless shelter, I represented the presbytery and delivered the presbytery’s check for $100,000 to Sister Grace’s La Madonna della Strada Ministries which operates the shelter. This is the fulfillment of the presbytery’s action from 2024 to support this new ministry.
As wonderful as this gift is, it represents only a portion of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley’s giving. Together, we support Camp Whitman, Cameron Ministries, Protestant Chaplaincy at UR and RIT, a chaplain for Rochester Presbyterian Homes, gap loans for congregations, along with a robust grant program that supports many individual congregations’ ministry. The presbytery seeks to practice what Jesus preached. We endeavor to have our funds follow our faith commitments. Living into the generosity of Jesus feels great.
It’s only taken science a few thousand years to come to the same conclusion: Giving is good for humans. That’s why Jesus and the church teach that stewardship—which includes donating money—is inseparable from a good life and a growing faith. A recent scientific study proves it. People who hear stories of strangers’ need, then get emotionally involved with the story, and respond with helping are happier than those who do not. Giving to and caring for strangers sets up a virtuous circle that produces happiness, and the more regularly and consistently people give to help others, the happier and happier they become. Maybe that’s why Paul reminds us that “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Scripture for Sunday: Luke 12:13-21
Sermon Title: “Save Second”
