A sermon by The Reverend Canon David Hodgson , Rector of the parish of All Saints Wokingham.

This sermon explores the importance of giving in life and society generally and in particular in supporting the community of the local church. The life of society and communities would be poorer, if not impossible, without giving and receiving to sustain relationships outside of the economic nexus of exchange. Without giving local churches and All Saints Church Wokingham would not exist. It's service to the community would cease. Giving is part of the DNA of church communities. We receive life and blessings from God and we give back to God in thanksgiving. Every member of a church is involved in giving. The sermon is based on the story of the Presentation of Christ in the Temple by Mary and Joseph a few weeks after his birth, described in Luke's Gospel and focuses on the offering they made at that time.