Generosity Moment: Treasure

by Carol Robinson

Each Sunday of our Generosity Campaign a member of Holy Trinity will offer a Generosity Moment that illustrates how they are generous with their gifts here at Holy Trinity. This week, Carol Robinson shared with us about how she offers from her treasure to benefit the church.

Many of you may not know that Bill and I struggled with infertility.  Erin and Sophie are our treasures! But I want to spend a moment talking about my journey with treasures.  I never doubted that God had a plan in my life whether it was with natural or adopted children or no children bearing our names.

Therefore in 1996 while going through invitro treatments I decided to accept a sales position, which included extensive business travel.  I knew that if I couldn’t have children, I would have a full life and the salary would make it possible to help others. As you can figure out, the invitro worked!  Twice!

As I became more involved in different aspects of Holy Trinity, especially when the girls were young.  I was able to see what a difference all donations make to the Holy Trinity ministries.  I realized our donations could help Holy Trinity meet their goals on helping the larger community, members and just pay their expenses. We can help and we can make a difference.

My first goal was to make sure every envelope in our donation books had something in it.  It became a great financial habit (sometimes a real challenge as well). I would use the special donation envelopes for when I had a little more cash or felt especially blessed like the birth of nieces and nephews, or their weddings.  I became a little obsessed, each year wanting to give more than the previous.  The more I gave, the more blessed I felt.

As you all know life is not always consistent and predictable.  Twice situations became such that I had to financially reconsider my donation amounts.  I always did the best I could, but it was during those times God helped me find other ways to donate.  Time.  I spent more time in the church physically doing what I could to help. Time planning and doing fundraisers, even if it was just helping with the Sunday family dinners we used to have.  Talent.  I used my financial background and negotiating skills with Verizon and other additional rental opportunities.  We have rented space to a few production companies for local filming of shows and movies.  Great opportunity to bring in some extra income.  Kara Innella introduced us to Midnight Run and gave me another avenue to help organize those. 

Luckily those tougher times passed, and I was blessed to be able to donate more financially.  Retirement has additionally helped me to continue using my talents and my time I’m all in, well, when not traveling. 

Holy Trinity is a blessing to me spiritually and socially.  I love all that we are and all that we do.  As financial secretary I see how expenses continue to increase faster than donations.  I pray you all find a way to increase your donations and feel the joy of knowing you support all that we do.  If money is tight, find a way to give of your talents or time.  You have gifts and Holy Trinity can use them.  Thank you.