I’ve long argued that worshiping in a church is highly inconvenient—an idea I find quite compelling. The energy required to get dressed and leave home, only to find ourselves sitting next to people we didn’t choose, hearing scripture we didn’t select, and singing songs we may not know all adds up to a pile of inconvenience. But the value of being shaken from personal routine is unmistakable, especially on the day when we’re asked to quit playing God.

There’s something else that’s highly inconvenient. Fundraising appeals. They never seem to show up at a time when we’re enthused to receive them. In fact, this email may be such a one for you. If it is, remember the flip side: it serves one of the conveniences you enjoy having in your life. The Christian Century appears very conveniently in your mailbox or on your screen, week after week, month after month. We are no substitute for the church, of course, and have no desire to be. Nor is your gift to the Century a substitute for other charitable causes. But think of the Century as a resource unlike any other, providing spiritual insight and theological perspective that can make a difference for your whole approach to life.

So, if you can handle a minor inconvenience, encounter the joy of supporting our work with a gift today. People like you allow this nonprofit journalistic ministry to exist. The year-end timing of this appeal is not coincidental. Two individuals who have committed to matching all gifts given (up to a $50,000 total) have provided December 31—the end of our budget year—as the end date of their matching. You can make an awesome difference. Try me out: the joy of supporting this work outweighs the inconvenience.

Grateful to you,

Peter W. Marty
Editor/Publisher