There are a couple of times in the Gospels when Jesus’ attitude towards money surprises us. The underlying theme is that Jesus isn’t very concerned with money. He demonstrates no desire to accumulate wealth of any kind. He seems to be unaffected by wealth or poverty in choosing the people that he serves. He is constantly reminding his disciples through his parables that money doesn’t buy happiness. We hear the parable of the rich fool (Luke 12:13-21) and know that storing up financial assets is of no spiritual value. We learn the lesson of the widow’s mite (Mark 12:41-44; Luke 21:1-4) and realize that the value of a gift does not lie in its purchasing power.

Some of the most successful projects in the church are the ones that don’t revolve around money. I’ve often written of the Woodchuck Society at our church. Its financial principles are simple: no budget, no fund-raising events, no meetings. What the group has is donated by generous individuals. What they don’t have are things they can get along without. The group has been the recipient of amazing generosity, but has never asked beyond letting people know when work days occur and occasionally letting the congregation know of a specific need such ask asking to borrow a trailer. And the ministry works amazingly well. Over 50 cords of firewood delivered each year. Thousands of volunteer hours coordinated without a fuss. It is the kind of ministry that inspires me each time that I think of it.

Our operating budget at the church, however, while based in similar principles, requires a bit more focus. Our founding idea is the same. We believe that we are able to run our church with the free will donations of our members. What they give we will invest in ministry. What they do not give we will do without. For the most part this works. We don’t borrow money to operate our church. We do our business with balanced budgets. But managing an annual budget of a little over $309,000 requires some thought and planning. Some reserves need to be kept for unforeseen occurrences. We are never sure what is a reasonable level of cash to hold back in anticipation. There are different opinions on where and how the money should be spent.

For the most part, we agree that we exist to serve others and that we need to always have mission as a high priority. People don’t give to a church to have their money sit in the bank. And most people give to the church in order to do some good and serve other people. We tolerate necessary expenses such as utilities, building maintenance and salaries because they support our outreach ministries.

One of the areas of our life together where we proceed with some caution and uncertainty is the area of art. Churches have long been patrons of the arts and have been repositories of artwork that is very valuable. In many cases, churches are the place for art that is beyond the means of an individual collector. The Sistine Chapel ceiling, the Salt Lake Tabernacle, and the Cathédrale Notre Dame de Paris are examples of art and architecture that are literally priceless not because they do not require money, but because their value exceeds the ability to estimate how much money it would take to replace them.

There have been corners of the church where all art is seen as an extravagance and a certain austerity is seen as a mark of faith. Some congregations have gone so far as to adopt rigid dress codes and others have banned music entirely. Our family of faith doesn’t fall into either category. We have a relatively clean space with a minimum of ornamentation, but we do like music. And we do support visual artists.

Yesterday I sat in the balcony of our sanctuary and listened as sisters Michelle and Kimberly Cann performed on two 9’ concert grand pianos. The concert was riveting. The music was stirring. It pointed our attention to things well beyond the present. The experience is difficult to describe with mere words. As I listened, I was aware, however, of what a luxury we have in that space. The room features an acoustical space and instruments that are not common in churches.

I remember working and planning and saving in order to purchase a new piano for the sanctuary of the church we served in Hettinger, North Dakota. I think that the piano cost about $3,000. My memory is foggy and the price may not be exact. We were so excited when it was delivered and tuned. It added a new dimension to our worship and provided an instrument to accompany not only congregational singing but also vocal solos. That piano still serves the community even though the church is no longer functioning as an active congregation. It frequently accompanies soloists at funerals and occasionally at weddings.

But yesterday I sat with my back to the 35 ranks of pipes in our beautiful organ that inspires us weekly. I was sitting next to our 1904 Baldwin grand piano that accompanies our choir. The instrument went through an extensive rebuild in 1998 and is a very sweet piano. From the balcony I could see two 9’ concert grand pianos. One belongs to our community. The Black Hills Touring Concert Piano was made possible by the generosity of a benefactor. It can be used for concerts for a moving fee. This is the second time that piano has been in our sanctuary. It was nestled with our own Blüthner 9’2” concert grand. Nearby sat the two manual harpsichord that is shared by the Black Hills Chamber Music Society and our church. That is three pianos, a harpsichord and an organ in the same room. And only one of those instruments finds its regular home in another place. The room justifies the instruments. The music filled the room and the audience was truly inspired.

But I am well aware that they are an extravagance. One of those concert grand pianos could be sold and the funds used to build a Habitat for Humanity home. The organ has little cash value if sold, but its replacement cost rivals the cost of the rest of the building.

There are extravagances in the Gospels. Jesus’ anointing at Bethany was criticized: “This perfume could have been sold at a high price and the money given to the poor.” (Matthew 26:9). The story is repeated in John 12. There are times when faith is more important than money.

I don’t know whether or not we have achieved the right balance. It is worth careful thought. But as I listened yesterday, I allowed my mind to forget money and cost. I reveled in the power of the music and delighted in the joy of the audience. There is no way to put a monetary value on that experience.

Because we have been blessed with the gifts that made these instruments possible, it becomes our responsibility to offer gifts of music to our community. Such music is simply too good to keep to yourself. It too is an avenue of service.

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