Pastor's Blog - November 2011
“Now concerning the collection for the saints: you should follow the directions I gave to the churches of Galatia. On the first day of every week, each of you is to put aside and save whatever extra you earn, so that collections need not be taken when I come. And when I arrive, I will send any whom you approve with letters to take your gift to Jerusalem. If it seems advisable that I should go also, they will accompany me.”
–1 Corinthians 16:1-4 (NRSV)
During November we will be focusing as we worship on stewardship. Webster’s Heritage College Dictionary defines steward as “one who manages another’s property, finances, or other affairs.” We are people entrusted with God’s property, finances, and other affairs. All we have comes from God and will one day return to God. We are the trusted managers of God’s household.
The theme for our stewardship emphasis is “Saints Alive! Living Generously.” As God is generous with all things, so we are invited to grow in generosity. Several things will help us to consider our stewardship of God’s resources:
- Bulletin inserts. Each Sunday from October 23 through November 13, there will be an insert in the Sunday bulletin interpreting what it means for us to live generously.
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The Giving Tree. A tree with bare branches will be placed in the sanctuary on October 23. Each worshiper will be given a green, leaf-shaped paper. On the paper is written, “Past Givers _______________________ has shown me what it means to be generous.” He/she will be invited to name someone from the past who has taught them what it means to be generous. These leaves will be placed on the Giving Tree. On October 30 a second leaf will be provided and worshipers will be invited to respond: “Present Givers: I pledge to give generously and pray to support (a particular ministry or program of the church).” And finally on November 6 another leaf will be provided: “Future Givers:
I want my life to serve as an example and legacy of giving for the benefit of ___________________________.” All these leaves will be placed on the Giving Tree to remind us of God’s generous blessings—past, present, and future. - Stewardship Moments. Representatives from the 5 commissions of the Church Board will share on consecutive Sunday mornings (starting October 23) stories of how our congregational ministries honor God and address people’s physical and spiritual needs.
- Time and Talent Sunday, November 13. Each person will be provided a copy of Gifts for the Body of Christ 2012. Many areas of service and ministry through our congregation are listed. We are invited to prayerfully check the areas we can give of our time and talent in the coming year. The forms will be consecrated on November 13.
- Stewardship Commitment Sunday, November 20. Each family is invited to consider what their level of financial giving will be for 2012. Pledge cards will be provided and dedicated on November 20. The tithe (10%) is the biblical standard. For some this will become the goal. For others who have given generously, this will be the baseline for growth.
We are all saints, invited to live generously so that the ministry of Christ can grow in our community. We have received much. Let us respond with generous hearts.