Cheryl Williams
As we head into the Independence Day holiday I’m reminded of the intro to our country’s Constitution – We the People – with its spotlight on union, justice, domestic tranquility, general welfare, blessings and posterity. I’m struck in a fresh way by how closely this aligns with philanthropy – caring for and understanding the needs of others, outreach and advocacy, shared survival and growth.
The word “Philanthropy” is actually first found in the works of the Greek playwright Aeschylus more than 2,500 years ago, but the combined concept of “philos” (loving) and “anthropos” (humankind) existed long before the invention of the written word. The National Philanthropic Trust notes that from the very beginning, civilizations around the world were built with the idea that empathy— caring for and understanding the needs of others—was critical to shared survival and growth. So. Wherever you find someone helping others, you will find a philanthropist.
Is that you? I think so.
Philanthropy is about making life better for others, promotes the welfare of others, and begins with exploring what might be possible. It is love in action, serving in action, giving in action. It is always discerning: What situation can I change? What could my participation make better? Whose life might be impacted for good? Whose eyes might be opened? And, yes, just like congregational stewardship, it is serving with our whole selves — volunteering, offering the wisdom and expertise that we have, and, yes, giving financially.
Is that us? A philanthropic community of faith? I think so. Don’t you?
Trinity’s vision, to be a sacred place for all people, requires of us that we continually consider those philanthropic questions: What situation could we change? What could our participation make better? What lives might we impact for good? Who and how might we encourage or enlighten? And even as we continue discernment about a potential capital campaign, and on the heels of our Dreaming Cathedral Hall 2.0 gathering, what social condition or situation might a renovated or restored space helpuschange for the better?
In his recent sermon on Trinity Sunday, the Rev. Andy Lang reminded us that we are destined for relationship with each other, that God’s love is pouring into our hearts, and our hearts are in turn pouring out. We the people are a community of philanthropists.
Let’s keep our eyes on God, and our hearts pouring out.
Philanthropy. We the People.