Kimberly and Joe Chumlea
Lately, I’ve been reminded in a very tangible way just how important a strong foundation truly is. As some of you may know, Kimberly and I are in the process of building a new home. What surprised me most was not the framing or the finishes, but what lies beneath: 67 concrete piers—drilled and buried deep into bedrock—serving as the structural support for the foundation slab and everything above. Without those hidden pillars, the house simply would not stand or endure over time.
That experience has given me a renewed appreciation for the spiritual truth found in Scripture. In Matthew 7:24–27, Jesus tells the parable of the wise man who built his house upon the rock and the foolish man who built his house upon the sand. When the storms came, only the house with the firm foundation endured. It is a powerful reminder that what we build—whether a home, a life, or a church—depends entirely on the strength of its foundation.
The Church of the Incarnation has many buildings and all of them have structural foundations. But it also has another very important support foundation. The Incarnation Foundation – our church’s charitable foundation – works in much the same way. It is built upon faithful “pillars”—members of our parish who have made the thoughtful and generous decision to support the church’s mission beyond their lifetime. These gifts form a lasting base that allows the work of the Church of the Incarnation to continue and grow for generations to come.
There are many ways to become one of these pillars. Some choose to include the foundation in their will through a bequest. Others may donate property or designate a portion of a life insurance policy. Each of these acts, no matter the size, contributes to something far greater than any one of us—ensuring that our faith community remains strong, vibrant, and able to serve.
I have had the fortunate opportunity to serve on The Incarnation Foundation’s board for the last 8 years and have seen upfront the dedicated stewardship of the Foundation’s assets. Those assets have grown steadily and been used with thoughtful and prayerful purpose to serve the church’s ministry, its outreach, and its facilities.
As Kimberly and I watch our own home take shape on its carefully constructed foundation we are reminded that all of us are called to build wisely. By prayerfully considering how we might support The Incarnation Foundation, we as a parish family help secure its future and strengthen the Church of the Incarnation’s mission for years to come.
Please consider being part of this enduring work.
