Year-Round Stewardship Testimonial: Jennifer Bergquist
I was asked to speak to the parish about year-round stewardship. I have the courage to stand before you today because I discovered in high school that I can be of service to others and contribute to the greater good of our community. That has allowed me to grow and learn from many others along the way.
I am fortunate to be participating in Trinity’s Lenten book study, Do I Stay Christian by Brian McLaren. It has offered me great insight as to how to proceed in my journey as a Christian. From a place of gratitude for the beauty of this planet and its people, I feel moved to give what I can for the good of the whole. As you know, actions speak louder than words and there is SOOO much to do in this world to help those who are less fortunate. Choosing to do this in community is the way to go and Trinity is where I have found my people!!
So where does one start? I believe baby steps are the way to go. When I first arrived at Trinity, I began by serving as a greeter on Sunday mornings. I got to know many people in the process and felt more connected to the parish. Soon after that, I was asked to be the lead for Trinity’s annual Alternative Christmas Market in December. That has been a joyous experience for me each and every year due to the fact that it involves the children and teens in the raising of funds as well as in raising awareness of the needs of people around the world! And that led me to join the Justice & Outreach Council where I find so much satisfaction. I admit to having been on the Council for over 7 years now so I should step down and be the head of its booster club, ha! Seriously though, new people coming on a council bring new energy and new ideas!
As a former bilingual teacher on Santa Barbara’s Eastside and later as a new parent and advocate for quality child care or early care and education, I was pleased to discover the relationship our parish fosters with Harding Elementary School on the Westside of Santa Barbara. It’s just across the freeway and in our same zip code. Do you know that its children are some of the neediest in our entire county?
It is also a thriving community that has provided many WONDERFUL opportunities over the years for us at Trinity to work with its children and their parents who are mostly immigrants in our area. I got an email a couple of days ago from the President of the Harding Education Foundation describing three promising new programs that will truly support its families: a Benevolence family fund, a more inclusive 6th grade trip and a fitness enrichment program which is crucial for its students. It is probably obvious that its parents have little discretionary time and income so this is an area where we could do a lot of good with our time, talent and treasure!
Click here to continue reading Jennifer’s reflection.
