Monthly Message

What shall I give the Lord for all his goodness to me?

I will accept salvation and call on the name of the Lord. I will pay my vows to the Lord in the presence of all God’s people.  I will offer the sacrifice of thanksgiving.  (Ps 116:12-19). 

Our stewardship campaign, Extravagant Generosity:  The Heart of Giving, should encourage us with our response to God’s goodness.  The Psalmist said, “I will offer thanks.” Our campaign calls for us to name what we are thankful for in our church and for whom we are thankful.

 The Psalmist says, “I will pray, I will keep my vows.”  United Methodist’s have

 taken a vow to uphold the ministries of their congregation with their prayers, presence, gifts and service.

 Generosity reflects God’s nature.  When we are generous with the benefits God has given us—our love, joy, peace, gentleness, kindness, goodness, patience, faithfulness and assets – Jesus is made known.  And extravagant generosity will help us achieve our vision,

 “To demonstrate the love of Christ so that every person we meet will know that they are important, loved and wanted in Jesus’ name.”

 Watch your mail, around February 23.  You should receive the first letter of four with cards enclosed for you to return to the church, “in the presence of all God’s people.”

 * The first card asks you to name things you love about our church.

 * The second card asks you to name people who made a difference in your spiritual life.

 * The third card asks you to name visions and hopes for our church.

 We would like to display these three cards in the church so we can rejoice with each other about our ministry, our people and our dreams.

 * The fourth card will not be posted. The fourth card asks for an estimated participation and an estimated annual giving to our church.

 A devotional book, Practicing Extravagant Generosity by Robert Schnase, accompanies this program.  I encourage you to use it. There are a few copies in the church library that can be checked out. You can purchase your own copy (approximately $7) from Cokesbury or, if you want the church to order it for you,  let the church secretary know. 

 The daily devotions would start on February 27 with the first card to be brought to the church on March 4.  For those who live away and cannot attend, I suggest you send your cards so they arrive at the church by Friday of the preceding week.

 May our hearts be open to God’s guidance as we consider extravagant generosity.

In Christ’s Service,

Pastor Bob Whitaker