CONNECTICUT: Bishop says stimulus payments offer 'opportunity to make a difference'

By Lisa B. Hamilton, March 04, 2008 [Episcopal News Service] Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut Bishop Andrew D. Smith, in a February 29 online newsletter, suggests that "stimulus payments" offer "a special opportunity to make a difference in the world."

Smith notes that "in May, the U.S. Treasury will begin issuing 'stimulus payments' to more than 130 million individuals. In most cases, payments will range from $300 to $600 for individuals, $600 to $1200 for couples, and $300 for each qualifying child."

Smith has urged members of the diocese to "please consider donating your payment -- in whole, or at least a tithe…

"Think of the contribution that could make together for the mission and ministries we support in the Name of Jesus," he said. "Certainly this is an opportunity to model and to teach generosity and tithing. Also, it should be a time to talk about where people might give financial support."

Smith said that he and his wife, Kate, will be donating to the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem and to Episcopal Relief and Development.

The bishop offers possibilities for parishes to ponder: "Could you pool donations as a parish and designate gift(s) to help meet specific Millennium Development Goals? Are there local mission and service projects to support? Or people could contribute the money to their parish in addition to their pledges."

Smith concludes: "It is my prayer that this opportunity will prove to be a joyful occasion for us to focus on giving, in the midst of receiving. Kate and I ask you to join in this singular opportunity [we] will have together, to put the payment we will be receiving to the work of the gospel."

The Diocese of Connecticut has approximately 64,000 Episcopalians worshipping in 175 parishes throughout the state.

-- The Rev. Lisa B. Hamilton is Episcopal Life Media features editor as well as correspondent for Provinces I and IV. She is based in Venice, Florida and Sandisfield, Massachusetts.

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