Stewardship and Discipleship

What a vibrant growing congregation we are a part of!!! Take a scan through this newsletter and you'll see the movement of the Holy Spirit among the people. We are worshipping, learning, growing and serving.
I want to say a word this week about another part of our membership covenant. When we commit ourselves to Christ and His church we joyfully commit to prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Giving of our monetary resources is a natural response to the abundant generosity of God in Jesus Christ. Living as a disciple of Jesus Christ influences all of our lives, including our financial priorities.
What an amazing testament and witness to this truth in our Building Stewardship Campaign. Through economic fears, anxiety and loss, this congregation looked ahead and pledged generously to a future in ministry.
I want to prayerfully encourage you today to stay diligent in your giving to the ongoing ministry of the church. Your ongoing giving supports our children's choir, our youth group, helping the needy, our missions projects for veterans, our United Methodist missions around the world and many many others. Your ongoing giving keeps the air cool and the lights on for pre-school children all week long in our Wee Wisdom school. In countless ways your giving makes the difference in someone's life for Christ. Thank you!
Soon you'll receive a third quarter giving statement from the church. With that, you'll see a word of thanks for your faithful giving. As we enter this final quarter of the year together, please notice where your giving stands and where you feel God is leading it to be at the close of 2009. Join Bethany and me in tithing (10% of income) or growing in your giving this last quarter. We have a wonderful new stewardship team at work who will be sharing and offering opportunities to learn about this part of discipleship.
Giving to the ongoing ministry of the church has positive ripple impact in people's lives every day. Every gift helps...growing in giving strengthens our journey as disciples and our ministry and mission as the church of Jesus Christ.