Each week I receive a few newsletters from other churches. And this time of the year, many are having some kind of stewardship emphasis. Arab First UMC is preparing for their Consecration Sunday on November 21. In this month’s newsletter, their Administrative Council Chairperson wrote: “Congregations that approach financial stewardship from a biblical perspective do not view the money Christians give to their church merely as a way to pay its bills. Rather, such congregations see financial contributions as a way to help people grow spiritually in their relationship with God by supporting their church’s mission and ministry with a percentage of their incomes.”
Later in the article, Wayne Washam wrote; “New Consecration Sunday is based on the biblical philosophy of the need of the giver to give for his or her own spiritual development, rather than on the need of the church to receive. Instead of treating people like members of a social club who should pay dues, we will treat people like followers of Jesus Christ who want to give unselfishly as an act of discipleship.”
Reading the article reminded me of something our former Bishop, Robert Fannin, often said; “Stewardship is a spiritual matter.” Bill Flounders put it this way; “Your checkbook reveals your true priorities.”
Yesterday, in my travels between hospitals, I listened to Dr. David Jeremiah’s first message in his series, “The Coming Economic Armageddon.” He shares some very difficult truths about our nation’s economy. He points out that economic crisis is one of the signs of the end time. After sharing what were some very gloomy facts about our nation’s economy, he concluded, that this is not a time for Christians to despair. This is an opportunity to bear witness to our faith, as we store up treasure where it really counts, the eternal Kingdom of God.
November 14th, will be our Commitment Sunday. You should receive your Commitment Card in the mail this week. As you pray about your commitment, whose economic plan will you follow? Where are you turning for guidelines related to your giving? Are you following rules you made up or biblical guidelines that have stood the test of time?
Don’t forget, Wednesday Fast and Pray at Noon. The chapel is open all the time for prayer, but some have made a commitment to be in the chapel during the noon hour to pray for our church. If you cannot come to the chapel, find some place to pray at noon each Wednesday during November.
Saturday Prayer Vigil, November 13, from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. In addition to the daily Prayer Guide and the weekly Wednesday Fast and Pray, we will have a twelve hour Prayer Vigil on the Saturday before Commitment Sunday. Take 30 minutes to come by the chapel and spend time in prayer for your church. There are places to sign up for a time slot in the Welcome Areas.
New Study begins tonight – God Provides. Judy Shepherd will be the facilitator for this video based look at how God really wants to be your Provider. No registration is required. It starts at 6:30 in room 319.
Operation Christmas Child shoes boxes will be available this Sunday, November 7th. Instructions for filling the box will be available at the pick up places in our Welcome areas. These boxes are sent to church around the world, offering the hope and love of Christ. All boxes must be returned by Sunday, November 21.
Ministry Fair is this Sunday, November 7th. This is an opportunity to learn about the variety of ministries in which your church is involved, and to see where you might use your gifts, talents and time. Then on November 14, you will be ready to make a commitment to some area of ministry in or through your church.
Also, this Sunday, November 7th, is All Saints Sunday. During our 11:00 service we will remember those members of our Church Family who have joined the Communion of the Saints around the eternal banquet table.
Friday, November 12th, our Youth will have a BUNKO Night. The cost is only $5.00 for dessert, drinks and a night of fellowship around the Bunko tables.
As always, your responses to these Reflections are welcome. You can email me at rguess@gmvumc.org.
