Scots Wha' Hae With Wallets...

I'm reposting a revision of something I wrote exactly a year ago:
First, happy St. Andrews to those who observe it. (Patron of Scotland, and a few other places: Russia, and Constantinople, or "Istanbul" these days, the meeting place of Pope Benedict XIV and Patriarch in 2006.)

I did not observe Nov. 30 in any way as a youth, despite membership in a Scottish clan, so it, like most Saints Days are discoveries as an adult. As far as ethnic Scottish fare, basic "fish and chips" is great, if you like, then there's haggis. (A relative keeps reminded it was once condemned by the Detroit Board of Health; but that was before Detroit itself became a health hazard. I can say that; I grew up there.) I miss my Scottish grandparents and great-aunts and uncles dearly, and I pray for the conversion of their homeland, as well as other nations. St. Andrew's Day in some churches has been observed as a special day for World Missions.

Second, let me get more "Scottish" for a moment, though that doesn't mean cheap, as my grandmother often reminded us, but simply thrifty. There's cheap and there's thrifty.

Thrifty is spending what money you have wisely and well, which is something we try to do here with Touchstone without wasting too much time figuring ways to do it. I bring this up because we are now beginning the last month of the year when we will be asking by letter and here at Mere Comments and in some cases in person for contributions (tax deductible in the US) to help support the ministry, and our needs have grown along with the ministry. In 2006 postage rates went up about 10 percent and last month we we were informed that paper costs are expected to jump 8 percent.

I am always amazed at the generosity of so many who have provided the support for this voice for Christian orthodoxy. I invite you to join the company of other Friends this month, I and the whole staff, and the writers and editors will be very grateful.

Last year nearly a thousand contributed to the Fellowship of St. James, publisher of Touchstone. More than half of our needed revenue comes from charitable gifts.

We believe that the crises in both society and the churches today call out for a resolute return to the rich core tradition of the apostolic faith. This is why we publish. The Fellowship of St. James is a not-for-profit ministry comprised of Catholic, Protestant, and Orthodox Christians dedicated to encouraging fidelity to the faith and witness of the early undivided Church.

Contributions can be made securely online or checks mailed to Touchstone, PO Box 410788, Chicago, IL  60641. Thanks so much.

So now you know where that title came from.....but some of you remember it from last year. Thanks to all who have already been supporting us this year. We could not publish on-line or on paper without you.

BTW I've left the original comments from last year rather than delete them.