(From January, 1999 Nativity newsletter)

Thank you, God
Dick Wernick, Bishop's Warden

What great opportunities God has given to me throughout my life. The longest job I had (33 years) was as a pilot for American Airlines.

I never took for granted that ever changing view from the cockpit of the earth below and the heaven above — that place He prepared for us to share our lives together. Flying has taught me the value of careful planning, knowledge of the airplane and trust in all who provide support for each flight, from the mechanics to the flight controllers.

But I need to share something more than words about my flying job. In all the hours I spent listening to other pilots' words on the flight deck, I learned that something was missing in their lives.

I heard the war stories of fighter and bomber runs; the success stories of pilots who ran other businesses, and about the "things" we surround ourselves with from cars to boats.

My conclusion..."Where you put your money is where your heart is." My invitation to you as we welcome new leadership into the governing body of Church of the Nativity is to join those of us who tithe from the income God gives us in support of His body on earth.

The significance of life displaces "success" in life as the path finder for relating to three incredibly valuable things God has already given us--our salvation, the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and His unfailing love.

The act of tithing has refocused my life and the lives of my family on "what was missing." How much do you love God?

You and I simply can't outgive God and as Father Jim reminded us in the December issue of "Tidings", the shift from one of Thanksgiving to one of hope and giving is founded in our Lord's Nativity.