Good morning. My name is Betsy Necker. I have a confession. I’m a little ashamed to admit I’m a church hopper. I’m not very loyal. I like the many styles and settings of churches are in Boston and I grew up attending a single church for decades. So I’m enticed by novelty and they love to explore. But since I first stepped into all saints on a hot July morning, I felt like I had to come back. The people I’ve met here are genuine and kind, sometimes much more than other churches I’ve visited. People aren’t kidding when they say that New Englanders are standoffish.
And during the height of the pandemic, few churches even attempted together for worship in person. All Saints has been a spiritual lifeline for me in many ways over the past year. I’ve also been pretty broke. Since moving here, we really don’t need to talk about my rent. But even when money is tight, I do get something back for my pledge, even when I can’t pledge much.
Because every time I return to this place, and the people here in front of me, gifts are returned to me. 100 fold, the kindness, the warmth and the beauty of this place. We after week. All these are gifts. I’ll happily make my pledge to the life of this church because it means that I can continue to call all saints my spiritual home away from home for this year, for next year and for all the years to come.
Amen.