Paul writes these words to the Christians in Corinth – and to us:
2nd Corinthians 9:11-12:
11You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; 12for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God.
He was imploring them to be part of a generous offering for the Jerusalem church. I have read those words many times, but they are truly resonating in my heart today. I heard Pastor Sean give one of the most heartfelt appeals in worship on Sunday. I wish everyone could have heard his words which I also find wonderfully (and Divinely) reflected in Paul’s words above.
During our stewardship journey last October, we invited everyone who calls PTCUMC their church home to faithfully take an incremental LEAP OF FAITH with us through your financial giving. To lead the way in that stewardship journey, your Leadership Board decided to tithe on your tithe beginning last October. A full 10% of what you give to the church general fund is now set aside FIRST and given to missions of our church.
SERIOUSLY! In the midst of an ongoing pandemic and in a time of many unknowns – THAT IS WHEN THE LEADERSHIP OF THIS CHURCH BELIEVED IT WAS “THE PERFECT TIME” TO GIVE AN INCREMENTAL 10% TO MISSIONS?
In a word, “yup.”
That’s in addition to what we give to disaster relief and other special human need appeals during the year. That’s in addition to what we give through our conference in support of our connectional Body of Christ. That is in addition to what we invest in children and students through our Weekday School, Kids Ministry, and Student Ministry. That’s in addition to what we invest in the Kingdom of Heaven on earth in support of vital worship both on our church campus and in our developing online community. That’s in addition to what we invest in adult grow ministries. That’s in addition to what we invest to effectively communicate the Good News of Jesus Christ to others – and the list goes on and on.
The GOOD NEWS of Jesus Christ engaged roughly 1,400 people on Christmas Eve through our in-building and online worship services. But we believe we are much more than “a number.” We believe we are a “Spirit-led movement” called by God to change the world.
We believe the very DNA of this local church is mission driven. We believe you want to make a positive difference in people’s lives. We believe NOTHING can stop your generosity. We believe the witness of our combined generosity roars like the Lion of Judah. I guess what we’re saying is we believe in you and the Spirit of Generosity Christ has placed in all your hearts.
May we all start this New Year with a renewed commitment to reflect the generosity of Christ through our financial giving. Join with us in this LEAP OF FAITH through your financial giving in 2022!
I’ll sum all this up in just one word, Hallelujah!
