| The Hagerstown Church of the Brethren |
October 22, 2007
Dear Friend in Christ,
Yes, it is that time of year again. The leaves are turning
brown, area farmers have most of their crops out of the
fields, and as members of Christ’s body we begin anew a
process of discernment. Yes, it is again time to celebrate
the wonderful gifts that we have received from God, and
to ask ourselves what portion we shall return to God’s
service in 2008.
Yes, the ‘M’ word may come up, but if we are truly honest
with ourselves, then being good stewards of God’s
creation is about far more than paycheck size. The theme
that we are focusing on this year is from John 15.
Considered by many to be a part of Jesus’ last words, this
chapter illustrates how we, as a community, are connected
to God. Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches. We,
whose life-springs tap into the incredible love of God in
Jesus Christ, are called to bear fruit.
What that fruit will look like will be different for each of
us. Some may offer time, or talents. Some will increase
their giving. Some may even give their all.
Most of all, we hope that everyone will hear Jesus call you
“friend.” We who have been blessed by God are called to
share that blessing with the world – every moment of
every day. Perhaps it means teaching a child how to
manage their allowance. Perhaps it means caring for an
abandoned animal. Perhaps it means apologizing to
someone with whom you vehemently disagree. God has
called us to be stewards of this earth – how will you
answer this call?
As we move through this process of discernment, we ask
you to take a moment and look over the ministries at the
Hagerstown Church. If you have questions about a
particular ministry, speak with the commission or
committee chair. The work of God is truly amazing, and we
want you to be a part of it.
So, please carefully consider your commitment of
support. Your written expression of what you bring to
Christ’s table will be a great help as we do all we can to
plan responsibly for 2008.
Please bring the Gifts Discernment brochure to the
November 4 worship service, and the financial
commitment card to the November 18 worship service, so
that we can dedicate our talents to God as we praise God
for his mercy and blessings. (Of course, more will be
available at the church and you may also bring or mail your
response to the church office.)
Thank you for all that you do as a part of the body of Christ,
Dear Friend in Christ,
Yes, it is that time of year again. The leaves are turning
brown, area farmers have most of their crops out of the
fields, and as members of Christ’s body we begin anew a
process of discernment. Yes, it is again time to celebrate
the wonderful gifts that we have received from God, and
to ask ourselves what portion we shall return to God’s
service in 2008.
Yes, the ‘M’ word may come up, but if we are truly honest
with ourselves, then being good stewards of God’s
creation is about far more than paycheck size. The theme
that we are focusing on this year is from John 15.
Considered by many to be a part of Jesus’ last words, this
chapter illustrates how we, as a community, are connected
to God. Jesus is the vine, and we are the branches. We,
whose life-springs tap into the incredible love of God in
Jesus Christ, are called to bear fruit.
What that fruit will look like will be different for each of
us. Some may offer time, or talents. Some will increase
their giving. Some may even give their all.
Most of all, we hope that everyone will hear Jesus call you
“friend.” We who have been blessed by God are called to
share that blessing with the world – every moment of
every day. Perhaps it means teaching a child how to
manage their allowance. Perhaps it means caring for an
abandoned animal. Perhaps it means apologizing to
someone with whom you vehemently disagree. God has
called us to be stewards of this earth – how will you
answer this call?
As we move through this process of discernment, we ask
you to take a moment and look over the ministries at the
Hagerstown Church. If you have questions about a
particular ministry, speak with the commission or
committee chair. The work of God is truly amazing, and we
want you to be a part of it.
So, please carefully consider your commitment of
support. Your written expression of what you bring to
Christ’s table will be a great help as we do all we can to
plan responsibly for 2008.
Please bring the Gifts Discernment brochure to the
November 4 worship service, and the financial
commitment card to the November 18 worship service, so
that we can dedicate our talents to God as we praise God
for his mercy and blessings. (Of course, more will be
available at the church and you may also bring or mail your
response to the church office.)
Thank you for all that you do as a part of the body of Christ,
“ I’m no longer calling
you servants because
servants don’t
understand what their
master is thinking and
planning. No, I’ve
named you friends
because I have let you
in on everything that I’ve
heard from the Father.”
- John 15:15
- (The Message)
One member of the
congregation has
offered a challenge:
She will be increasing
her giving by 10% each
year. Thus, her gift
more than keeps pace
with the increasng cost
of living. $10 turns into
$11, and then into
$12.10.
Can we meet her
challenge?
Can we multiply it 100-
fold, as God multiplied
the crops of grain?
| Hagerstown Church of the Brethren 15 S. Mulberry Street Hagerstown, MD 21740. Telephone: 301-733-3565. Fax: 301-733-3598. Office hours: Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - noon & 1:00 –4:00 p.m. |
| MISSION STATEMENT The mission of the Hagerstown Church of the Brethren is to celebrate the love of Jesus Christ and glorify the Lord by striving to live as Christ lived, experiencing the power of God's healing in our lives. We seek to nurture our faith community through prayer, music and the proclaimed Word, while enthusiastically reaching out to others with compassion, respect and love for everyone so that we may grow in faith and commitment together. VISION STATEMENT Journeying with Christ Serving Our Neighbors Uniting at the Master’s Table |