Why I Pledge to Trinity Church

Comments by  Bob Oetjen on November 1, 2009
Trinity on the Green, New Haven, CT

Back in September, I was having a cup of coffee with Jim, when out of the blue he asked me a question, "Bob, at one of our services in the fall would you tell the congregation why you pledge?" The answer to the pledge question flashed to mind instantly and I may have even voiced it, I pledge because it's a habit. I hope it did not sound too glib to Jim if he heard it, nor to you now.--So I didn't have a hard time responding positively to answering the question, but, I had a much harder time responding to his invitation to share that reasoning with you.

Those of you who know me, know that I get choked up when I experience beauty, joy, sadness, to mention just a few of the emotions that can bring tears to my eyes and prevent me from speaking. Some of you may have noticed tears in my eyes while listening to an especially well sung piece by the Trinity Boys Choir, or heard my voice give out during a hymn at a personally meaningful verse, or heard me pause when talking about one of my children or grandchildren because, I am choked up thinking of how incredibly blessed I am. So, I am not the best person to talk in public about very personal things.

I guess that being sure of my answer to the question of why I pledge, and not being asked to address any personal theological issues like tithing or stewardship, I accepted Jim's challenge and so here I am.

Than came the major question what else can I say? I can't just stand here and say, "I pledge because it is a habit." Or can I?

We usually think of habits as negatives.

• Smoking--I did for almost 30 years and it hurt my body.
• Stopping at a favorite coffee shop and getting a pastry even though I was only stopping for a cup of coffee,-- it does nothing for my weight problem.
  

We do know positive aspects of habits, just last week Alex asked us to make a habit of praying what the blind beggar asked Jesus, teacher let me see again. This so that we would open ourselves to the extraordinary gifts Jesus offers. So, think of some of your habits that bring fulfillment, health or joy into your life.

• For me when I am in the habit of Swimming at least three times a week, I am pain free from the effects of my rheumatoid arthritis; and if I don't stop at Dunkin Donuts too often, keeps my weight under control.
• When I am in the habit of Singing with the New Haven Chorale every Monday night, I have joy in learning and performing master works of music.
• When I am in the habit of making and monitoring my business's budget weekly, I am able to spot trends and make adjustments to our operations that build security for our 44 employees.
• When I am in the habit of coming to Trinity on Sunday mornings, I am reconnected with my Lord who blesses me daily in so many ways and renews my spirit.
• When I am in the habit of getting out my pledge envelope and check book and writing my check to Trinity, I get the opportunity to offer a prayer of thanksgiving.
  

So,--why do I pledge? Because it is a habit!  The habit of pledging you see brings me, beauty, joy, friendships, security and a connection to our Lord. Thinking about it; not a bad habit--I'll try to nurture it.