Sermon
Good morning. My name
is Alex Sugiyama and I would to thank you for giving me the opportunity to
speak with you today.
I grew up in NYC a
child of immigrant parents from
My parents had both
been educated in Catholic schools, but my sister and I, other than being
baptized, were “unchurched.” My view of organized religion was based on my
parent’s own religious experiences, what I saw on TV and the movies, and from
school.
I had the good
fortune of attending the United Nations International School. It was the kind
of place that parents often want for children. Students were incredibly diverse
as their parents often worked at the UN and had come from all over the world.
Of course, students practiced sorts of religions.
Having friends at
school made me realize that there are many religious beliefs and many of them
have a cultural component. I was able to see that religions had things in
common and some things that were unique. But it was confusing why one religion
was practiced over another.
From my parents and
the media, I developed a cynical view of organized religion. Either they wanted
your money, or they had lots of rules for you to follow, or they wanted you to
believe certain things, or you weren’t really welcome because you weren’t born
into the religion. It all seemed either scary, complicated, irrational, or
isolating.
But as I got older,
went to college, graduate school, and then joined the working world, I realized
that perhaps there was something that a spiritual or religious practice would
give me. Unfortunately, developing a practice was never a priority and nothing
called to me; I was worried that I would never find one.
That I now years
later I am a member of St Philips is a welcome surprise.
I wound up at St.
Philip’s because on a first date I was asked “So, are you religious” and I
wanted a second date, Only someone who is religious asks that question on a
first date. so I needed to say something.
So I did my best to
say that I was open to a religious practice, but I didn’t currently have one. I
don’t remember exactly what I said, because I was trying not to blow it. I was
trying to be eloquent and also process the implications of the questions—that not
only was religion important to Tamzin, but that she was also interested in me—otherwise
I wouldn’t have gotten the question on the first date.
It didn’t take long
for me to find out that being in a relationship with Tamzin would involve being
supportive of her religious beliefs. After all, her grandfather was a Dean of
the Seminary at
One of the first
things that I did at St. Philips was come to a Young Professionals Christmas
potluck. It a little awkward, as an introvert, I don’t like meeting new people.
I was glad when no one tried to give me the “hard sell” on becoming a member. But
what really made an impression was meeting Scott Horton. It wasn’t what Scott said, but that he was
wearing a Buddhist necklace. I figured that St. Philips must be a welcoming
place if people wore such things. Maybe this church thing was not so bad.
So I started
occasionally attending services with Tamzin and joining her on various social
church activities and the 6 week Quest workshop. I started reading about the
Episcopal church, asking questions discretely, and attending adult formation
offerings.
After a while, I
became a member of St. Philips and a confirmed Episcopalian. Why? Because this
is a place gave me what I wanted. It allows me to develop my spiritual self
without my having to fit into a box or to adhere to a strict schedule. I know
that I am welcomed despite my background, religious baggage, or spiritual
doubts that I may have. I don’t feel out of place for having my own spiritual
journey.
I stay a member
because of the community that I find at St Philips. I have never met a warmer
and nicer group of people. This happens whenever I join a new committee or
explore a new part of the church. My fears of being a perpetual outsider here
seem so silly now.
As for the person who
brought me here, Tamzin and I were married at this church, had have our two
daughters baptized her, and this Fall have had our eldest daughter start Sunday
school. My wife and are grateful that we get to have our daughters grow up with
a church home.
And as for my earlier
view that organized religion was only interested in money, I have found it not
to be the case. Having briefly served on the finance committee and the pledge
committee, I discovered three things. First, how respectful and thankful
everyone was to the contributions that members make to support this parish.
Second was the understanding that this place needed to be welcoming to all
regardless of their level financial support.
Third was how much we try to do here and how much more could be done.
As an economist, I am
utterly surprised at how unselfish the clergy, program staff, and support staff
are with their time and kindness. I am thankful that we have them with us and
appreciative of all they give us. Please don’t mistake the spiritual and
financial welcome-ness of this parish as a one way street. We have to do our
part too.
So as it is pledge
season, I would like to conclude with a financial prayer inspired[i]
by the Rev. Jennifer Philips.
Stand with us, God of Wisdom,
In the mess of our finances:
in our fears of taking charge of the resources
entrusted to our care;
in our preference for ignorance over honest
acknowledgement of the ways we use and fail to use our wealth;
in our anxieties over debt,
and in all the pressures of our financial lives.
Help us to take one step at a time toward honoring
you through our use of money and honoring others from who we buy and borrow.
Make us humble to seek counsel,
grateful for our abundance,
prudent with our limited means,
and patient with ourselves as we seek to be better
stewards of all you have given us.
Amen