On Gifts
- Alfred Walker
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
“A tree, by its nature, seeks its future moment by moment.” - Jim Harrison

I turned 69 last week. That may sound young to some, but it’s approaching one of those
milestones that nudges one to again think about their “purpose” in life. We all have the chance to make a small difference in the world. Current events make the question of how we make a contribution feel more urgent. I’d like to ask you to consider how, through the GPPC Endowment, you can make a difference in what you give to the world.
Since I began serving on the board of our Endowment Foundation, I’ve come to appreciate the role the members of our church have in being good stewards of the church itself. You may know the Endowment celebrated its own milestone this year. It was launched in 1975, meaning it has been caring for these buildings and our congregation for 50 years. That’s 50 years of funding needed repairs, of helping to support our staff, and for the last 23 years, of helping to fund the good work of groups in and around Richmond.
On Sunday, October 26, we will have two special workshops when participants will be asked to reflect on what they want their legacy to be. The morning gathering will be a time to work on ethical wills, or what some call legacy letters. These are letters or recordings to share your values, wishes, stories or advice you have gained through your life. The afternoon session will focus on how you can join other GPPC members who have honored this church with gifts from their estates. Those gifts over the years have made it possible for us to literally keep our doors open, and keep our buildings operating.
In a sermon earlier this year, Carla suggested “we are called to shelter one another”. Let me invite you to join us on the last Sunday in October. It will be a day to consider how you can use some of the gifts you have been given in your life, to give a lasting gift to this church.
Thank you.
Craig DeBussey
The GPPC Endowment Foundation