Ada had asked me to maybe do one of the wonderful stewardship videos because in speaking with members of the committee, I told them a few stories about my experiences. Due to time constraints, I turned her down… so here is my story about Sacrificial Giving.

While cleaning out my parents’ house after my mother’s death in 2022, I found a couple of small notepad size papers stapled together in my father’s desk. There were columns of types of income totaled for each month and a figure representing 10% of that total. At the end of the year, there was an average of all the months’ income that had “Christmas Gift” written on it. This was a precious find and further evidence of what I already knew about my parents’ commitment to the church. A story that I never forgot was when my Dad was stationed at Naval Weapons Station in Norfolk, VA, the pay for a Navy ensign in 1959 was $222 a month. It was difficult, but they would put $22 in the plate each Sunday. With a child on the way, $200 a month wasn’t much to live on, even though expenses were nowhere near what they are now. I grew up putting money in the plate and in the Sunday School class collection. When my musical gifts developed, I was told that singing and playing in church was a way that I could give back what was born in me. I watched my parents sing in the choir, serve on the administrative board, as Trustee, Building committee and worship committee, serve as president of the UMW, play on the church softball team, do maintenance repairs on the building, teach Sunday School, cook for church fundraisers and dinners, and work Vacation Bible School week, to name the many things they did for their churches that they served in. It’s no wonder I ended up in my current position! The thing that I learned was that there was always enough for our needs growing up. We just knew that there were times when we couldn’t have what we wanted. That was okay because the spoiling was left to the grandparents! - Who were also tithers! It’s not too late to start a legacy of tithing in your family. You will be so surprised at what happens when you do!

Some of the people that give lots of their time and talent in this church happen to be the Chancel Choir. I am grateful for their enthusiasm, commitment, and desire to do their best. This Sunday, we are singing Pepper Choplin’s Lay Up Your Treasures in Heaven. Jemelle Khan, our music intern, will be singing the solo in the piece. We celebrate Thanksgiving on November 24 and will have the Chancel Ensemble with us while singing J. S. Bach’s Crown Him King of Kings. It just happens to be Christ the King/Reign of Christ Sunday, the Sunday right before Advent. Yes! It’s suddenly here! My next newsletter will include information about December’s offerings of music. I am grateful for all the musicians that will be participating in the many notes that will be played and sung by the end of the year. Thank you for your notes and votes of confidence each Sunday! 

Love & Gratitude, 

Rhonda 

Sunday, November 17

8:30 am Early Worship - Sanctuary

9:30 am Sunday School - Various Locations

10:30 am Sunday Worship - Sanctuary

2:00 pm KidZ Fellowship (3rd-5th) - Island Cinemas

4:00 pm Youth Group - Gould's Inlet

Monday, November 18

3:00 pm Congregational Life - Upper Room

5:00 pm Diaconate Meeting - Upper Room

6:30 pm Al-Anon Meeting - John Law

Tuesday, November 19

7:00 am Youth Devotions - Yellow Deli

9:30 am Staff Meeting - John Law

1:00 pm Memorial Service for Reg Murphy - Sanctuary

4:00 pm Session Meeting - Upper Room

8:00 pm Codependents Anon - John Law

Wednesday, November 20

10:00 am Grief Support Group - Parlor

10:00 am Men's Bible Study - Upper Room

11:00 am Early Music Ensemble - Rhonda's Office

3:00 pm Sonshine for the Soul - John Law

3:00 pm Chancel Ensemble - Sanctuary

5:00 pm Advent Festival - Social Hall

5:00 pm Chancel Ringers - Bell Room

6:00 pm Wednesday Night Supper - Social Hall

6:45 pm Chancel Choir - Sanctuary

Thursday, November 21

10:00 Women's Bible Study - Upper Room

5:30 pm ODD Book Group - John Law

Friday, November 22

No Activities Planned for this Day