The Third Grade Bible
Many years ago, I attended a series of workshops presented by the Lake Institute on Faith and Giving. Of course, I learned a lot. Some of it has stuck with me and some other things…well, you know how that goes.
One of the things that I continue to remember was a study – the details of which are now lost to me – that talked about the importance of the Third Grade Bible. The study showed that receiving a Third Grade Bible was a significant event, not only in the life of the child receiving it, but in the life of the congregation as well. And that increased generosity.
Two weeks ago, a young woman at my church – who is getting ready to go to high school next year – was presented her Third Grade Bible. “Mary” was among the many kids who, because of COVID, missed out on the tradition of receiving her presentation Bible. Mary’s mom reminded the church office of this oversight and five years later, Mary finally got her Bible.
I’m hoping receiving her Bible was significant to Mary. Watching her receive it was meaningful to me. I still have my Third Grade Bible (the old RSV version). It’s beaten up, written in, well-loved and used. In the front it states that my Bible was presented to me by Glendora (CA) United Methodist Church in March of 1967. Did I mention that it qualifies as an antique?
Many moons later, my son, Luke received his Third Grade Bible in March of 2002. For a while, it was his pride and joy. He took it to his (public) school and showed it off and carried it around in his backpack. His third-grade teacher was thrilled that he wanted to read it. What a smart woman.
Seeing Mary get her Bible in March of this year had me reflecting on the beautiful legacy that binds generations together. The somewhat ancient ritual of literally passing the Word on to the next generation is deeply moving and inspires me to want to support the church. I believe in this work.
The church is a place where we make meaning. It gives us a home base. It can bring all ages together to go forth into the world and make a difference. That Third Grade Bible can be transformational.
These are the things that our financial tithes and offerings make possible.
These are the stories of mission and ministry that need to be celebrated and remembered.
So today, if you were lucky enough to be one of those people, find that dear old Third Grade Bible buried on your bookshelf somewhere. Remember the faith community who gave it to you, give thanks, and do what you can to impact the generations who are walking in your footsteps right now.
Photo credit: StockSnap @ pixabay.com
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Cesie Delve Scheuermann (pronounced “CC Delv Sherman,” yes, really) is a Stewardship Consultant for the OR-ID Annual Conference. She is also a Senior Ministry Strategist with Horizons Stewardship. For 25 years, while working as a volunteer and part-time consultant, she has helped raise over three million dollars for numerous churches and non-profit organizations.
You can reach Cesie at inspiringgenerosity@gmail.com, at CesieScheuermann.com, or at cesieds@horizons.net. Want to schedule a meeting? She’s got you covered! Warning! This song is an ear worm.
Schedule a meeting now.
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