Mickey Connolly and Tana Cochran | Rob Andrew | Andrew Morley | Dot Jackson | Phil Ecklund | Michelle and David Webb | Charlie and Lauren Hager
Hello! My name is Phil Ecklund. I have a 1-minute message about this Fall’s giving program called First Fruits.
In my search for a spiritual path I found myself meandering through fellowships, temples, synagogues, and Anglican churches throughout the world. As an airline pilot I had the opportunity to visit these holy places from Singapore to Hong Kong; and from London and Paris to New Delhi, India.
I was christened, baptized, and confirmed at St. Stephen’s Church in a Minneapolis suburb. I came to St. John’s my freshman year at the University of Colorado. Fr. McKeown baptized my three children here at St. John’s. My wife, Robin, and I renewed our vows with Fr. Rol. But, somehow I never really felt that I became a part of this community until now.
Most of my support for St. John’s and the work of Jesus Christ represented ‘left over fruit’ from my ‘harvest’. With my retirement pension and other sources of income reduced, it was easy to cutback in giving.
The idea of First Fruits has truly changed my attitude toward giving. When I realize how blessed my family and I have been, I feel real excitement to give the First Fruits of the harvest I receive to St. John’s and the work of Jesus Christ.
I now see clearly what I can give for the blessings bestowed upon my family, and, for the possibilities that continually appear in my life. Keeping the First Fruits concept in the forethought of my spirit and attitude has truly changed my whole outlook.
Praise to Jesus Christ my Lord for the many blessings in this life. I invite any of you who would like to join me in discussion to meet with me in the McKeown Conference Room next to the Chapel after this service.
