Dear Friends,

Commitment Sunday is November 20. I hope you will make it a priority to be in worship that day. This time of year I often get the question, “Why talk about money?”

Here’s my answer:

It’s a Spiritual Issue
Stewardship is directly linked to our journey of discipleship. How we use our resources is primarily a spiritual issue, not a financial one. The quality of that decision is determined by the spiritual condition of our heart.

Jesus Talked About It
Jesus spoke openly about money and possessions. About two-thirds of the parables and about one in every ten verses in the Gospels address this very issue. As followers of Jesus, we should not be reluctant to talk about giving as an outward expression of our love for Christ.

It’s Not About the Budget
In stewardship campaigns, it can be tempting to approach the financial needs of the church as if we were simply funding the budget. In Taking the Next Step, we acknowledge that living generously is an inseparable part of our following Christ. God does not need our money; rather, we need to give it as an act of gratitude and trust.

It’s About Trust
As we learn to trust God more and follow Christ’s teaching more faithfully, we learn to depend less on ourselves and more on God, relinquishing attitudes and habits that impede our relationship with God.

I hope that between now and November 20 you will examine your personal giving and how it reflects your commitment to Christ. I also hope you will read the daily devotionals in Practicing Extravagant Generosity (available from the church office) and pray for God’s guidance in your personal finances.

In worship on November 20 you will be invited to complete your 2017 Estimate of Giving Card. A sample copy of the Estimate of Giving Card is below.

My prayer is that you will discover the joy of growing in your relationship with God as you take the next step in your faith journey and live generously.

Christ’s peace,