The Parish Church of St. Matthew, Highfield, Wigan

What treasures are you storing up in heaven?

At the first Parochial Church Meeting following the Annual Meeting our Church Treasurers drew our attention to this year's budget. With rising costs it looks as if this may be a very difficult year financially and we may have to begin using our reserves which have been set aside over the years to pay for unexpected repairs - which, I'm sure I don't have to remind you, on a building like St Matthew's can often be very high.

I know that this is a challenge which the generous people of Highfield can rise to and so to encourage you, along with myself and the PCC, to consider increasing the amount which you give to the church I would like you to read the following story.

St Peter was leading a new arrival around heaven. Back in her earthly life she had been very well-to-do, with a large and beautiful house and extensive garden (a bit like a Vicarage!), and she was hoping for something even finer in heaven. Indeed, Peter seemed to be leading her towards a huge and magnificent mansion which she hoped might be hers. He stopped outside and her hopes mounted.

'That's Joe's house,' he said, to her surprise. 'I believe you knew him.' She racked her brains for a moment, temporarily non-plussed. 'Joe?' she echoed. 'Not Joe the postman?' She had known him by sight, not to speak to you understand, from church and from her doorstep and she couldn't imagine how he came to have such a splendid reward up here.

As if reading her thoughts, Peter explained. 'You see, during his time on earth Joe sent us up all sorts of materials to build with. The plot of land came from his sacrificial giving, but then he provided all the stone and timber for the house by his care and concern for others, and the furnishings by the way he shared his faith to enable others to come here too.' 'Oh, I see,' the lady responded lamely, just beginning to see what that might mean for her.

Sure enough, as they went on their way the houses got progressively smaller and meaner, until eventually they turned into a narrow little side street and stopped in front of a tiny, shabby cottage. 'This is yours,' said Peter. 'I'm afraid it was the best we could manage with what you sent us.'

Our Lord said,

'Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.' - St Matthew 6:19-21

Please pray and think carefully about what you give to your church to do the Lord's work and please help if you can.

Every blessing,

Bob

Page last modified: 29 May 2004