Giving and Generosity

Dear Sisters in Christ across Province VIII, 

In the vast and varied landscape of our Province of the Pacific, from the shores of Hawaii and Taiwan to the high deserts of Navajoland, the mountains of Alaska, and the bustling communities of California, Oregon, Washington, and beyond—we are bound together by a shared call. That call is not only to worship and serve, but to live out the grace of giving with open hearts and generous hands. 

Scripture shows us that true generosity is not measured by the size of the gift, but by the condition of the heart that offers it. The Apostle Paul writes of the churches in Macedonia: “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability” (2 Corinthians 8:2-3). These believers did not wait for surplus or perfect conditions. Out of their need they gave joyfully, first giving themselves to the Lord, and then to others. 

This is the pattern set before us. Generosity is a grace—an overflow of the love we have already received from God, who “so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son” (John 3:16). When we give of our time, our resources, our talents, and our presence, we participate in that same divine generosity. We become signs of hope in a world that often measures worth by accumulation rather than by sharing. 

In Province VIII, we see this lived out daily. Women in remote congregations and urban parishes alike support one another across great distances. They organize food ministries, care for the vulnerable, fund scholarships, sustain mission work, and walk alongside those facing hardship. Whether through a quiet act of kindness or a collective offering that stretches limited means, these expressions of generosity strengthen the Body of Christ and witness to the Kingdom among us. 

Giving is not always easy. Economic pressures, distance, cultural differences, and personal struggles can make open-handed living feel costly. Yet the Macedonian example reminds us that poverty of circumstances need not produce poverty of spirit. Joy and generosity can flourish together. When we give cheerfully—not under compulsion, but from a heart transformed by grace—God multiplies what we offer and enriches us in return (2 Corinthians 9:6-8). 

As Episcopal Church Women and as members of this diverse province, we are invited to cultivate habits of generosity that reflect our faith: 

• Give first of yourselves to God in prayer and commitment. 

• Share according to your means, and sometimes beyond them, trusting in God’s provision. 

• Practice consistent, joyful giving that supports local congregations, diocesan ministries, and the wider work of the Church. 

• Look for opportunities to give presence as well as resources—listening, accompanying, and advocating for justice and healing. 

May our province be known as a place where generosity flows freely—across languages, cultures, and miles—because we have first received the inexpressible gift of God’s love. Let us encourage one another to excel in this grace, so that thanksgiving rises to God and needs are met among the saints. 

With gratitude for your faithful witness and in the hope of Christ’s blessings,  

Shelly Carlson 
President Daughters of the King  
Province VIII