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Stewardship Reflections
Pam Blomgren
Q: How does my giving reflect my priorities and values?
A: I believe God is the author of my life and the source of my blessings. Proverbs 3:9 says “honor the Lord with your wealth and the best part of everything you produce” which can seem like just words unless one understands what it means to honor. Honoring occurs when something of value is given freely to another as a gesture of thanksgiving and appreciation. Giving doesn’t buy salvation, but it is my way of obeying, honoring, and thanking God for his strength, comfort, and blessings.
Q: Why do I give to the church and its mission?
A: It is the mission (the business) of the church to teach, give, and serve so as to make heaven more crowded through proclaiming the gospel and making disciples. Just like with any business, finances are required to successfully address its mission. Galatians 6:6 says, “let the one who is taught the word share all good things with the one who teaches.” My giving of money, time, and talent to the church (the one who teaches) is part of my responsibility as one who is being taught.
Q: How is God inviting me to grow in trust through my giving?
A: Billy Graham once said, “We have found in our home that God’s blessings upon the nine-tenths, when we tithe, helps it (finances) to go farther than ten-tenths without His blessings.” I also find this to be true.
Joel & Allison Stout
Q: Why do we give to the church and its mission?
A: After experiencing the fragility of life this fall, we feel more than ever the call to spread the love of Jesus to others. One way we can do that is to share the blessings we have been given with our church. We pray the gifts we give help further God’s kingdom, locally at FCC and also globally through missions. We also give because God’s word encourages giving and sharing your blessings. Matthew 6:19-21 states, “Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Q: How is God inviting us to grow in trust through our giving?
A: In this next year, God is calling us and our church family to trust him in our giving. We continue to grow in the truth that our security is not found in our financial situation, whatever that may be, but our firm foundation and true security is found in HIM. If we consider the blessings we have as His, and not our own, it is easier to rightfully give back to God what is His. Join us in trusting Him with your giving.
"Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:6
Angie Landers
Q: How does my giving reflect my priorities and values?
A: The way I give shows what really matters to me. If I’m willing to spend money or time on something, it usually means I care about it. So, when I give to help others, support the church, or meet a need, it reflects that I value generosity, community, and faith.
Giving also helps me keep a healthy perspective. It’s easy to want to hold on to what I have, but when I choose to give, it’s a reminder to myself that life isn’t just about me. It’s about being thankful and making a difference where I can.
Q: Why do I give to the church and its mission?
A: I give because I believe in what the church is doing—helping people, sharing hope, and making a difference in the world. It’s one way I can be part of something bigger than myself.
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