Stewardship Testimonial | Holly and Jeff Shaw
Oct 29, 2026
We have been members of Incarnation since 1995, having both grown up in Louisville, Kentucky where Holly, and her family, had been life-long members of Saint Matthews Episcopal Church and my family and I had been life-long members of Second Presbyterian Church. We have two boys, Taylor, 42, and Mason, 32.
We were brought to Incarnation by the good works of two very special forces. The first being the UNSEEN, but deeply felt, draw of the Holy Spirit (but didn't we all feel that?) and the second being the VERY seen, and deeply felt, draw of one man, Father Philputt.
Now back to Taylor. Our plan was for Taylor to be born in Dallas at Presbyterian hospital. God's plan, however, was for him to be born two months early in Harlingen, Texas, while on our last get-a-way to South Padre prior to his original due date. Taylor has cerebral palsy and is affected both physically and intellectually. He lives with us.
"He was knit together in his mother's womb. He was fearfully and wonderfully made."
-Psalm 139: 13-18
Taylor attended Sunday school classes and Mother's Day Out at another church we attended after moving to Dallas until they came to us and said Taylor was "slowing down" the other children and they were not equipped or staffed to provide for him. Suffice to say, that church never became our "church home." After that experience we didn't feel the call to attend any church for some time until, at the gentle urging of Holly's dad, Holly (my senior spiritual advisor) became a one-person search committee, visiting several churches before ending up at Incarnation.
While attending a church orientation, Holly was introduced to Fr. Philputt, who, after hearing ourfamily's prior church experience with Taylor, assured us that any possible accommodations would be made to benefit Taylor, and more importantly, other people like Taylor. Do any of you remember that confirmation class used to be held on the second floor in the Great Hall building and wonder why it was moved to the first floor? Thank you, Fr. Philputt. That move benefited anyone, like Taylor, that found it difficult to navigate stairs.
Fast forward 31 years since we joined Incarnation, the Shaw family has long since found its church home, becoming active in many ways and steadily increasing our annual pledge. Why? Because having a home costs money. A lot of money, and it costs more every year. Anyone who comes through our church doors comes through for a reason. We certainly did many years ago and are so thankful thatIncarnation's doors were not closed and locked when we came calling. Pledging and giving to the church will keep its doors unlocked and open for all who need it.
Thank you to all who regularly attend our church and sit in the pews on Sundays. I highly encourage you, if you can, to get up from the pews and inquire how you might be a part of one of the many ministries our church offers to the community and to our parish. Taking on a more active role has helped us become more immersed in church life and to feel the financial obligation that comes with being a part of this home. The more active you are, the more compelled you will be to give. So, when you get your pledge card this year, please try and knock one out of the park.
"You shall give to him freely, and your heart shall not be grudging when you give to him, because for this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in all that you undertake."
Deuteronomy 15:10