One snowy day a few years ago, after I had declared the church a "nonessential" business and closed the office for the day, I experienced a luxury I often dream of, but rarely do. I climbed back into bed to read. But dare you think I was totally decadent, what I chose to read was our congregation's Annual Report. It turned out to be more enjoyable than any novel could have been. What a remarkable document - and what remarkable disciples you all have been! Some reports were lyric in their poetry. Some were bursting with compassion and urgency. Some were laced with delightful humor, others warm and gracious in their tone of gratitude. And the final pages were the icing on the cake - healthy financial figures - based on the generous giving and wise management of our financial resources.

I wa…