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Every Good Gift
We’re coming to the end of the year, now that we’re all back from summer vacations and other distractions which, frankly, make life more enjoyable.
One of the concerns that come before us is our commitment to the work of Christ’s church in
this world. God’s Work - Our Hands is our short-hand for how we serve and witness to others in the world and we have a good handle on that.
But what about the financial support of our congregation? Some shy away from questions of
offering gifts to sustain the congregation’s work and the staff who help make that happen. And I want to acknowledge that some have perhaps been hurt or disappointed in the stewardship of their gifts by churches in the past. Those memories hang around a long time and can cause us to be wary in how we offer of our money.
In the Letter of James, the apostle addresses the followers of Christ dispersed around the
Roman Empire, sometimes in places where they are disrespected or ignored by others. In
encouraging them to continue to support one another and the greater body of Christ, he writes:
Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers and sisters. Every generous act of giving, with
every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there
is no variation or shadow due to change. In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave birth
to us by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures.
He encourages his fellow Jesus followers to persist in being generous in giving, assured that
such acts of faith are actually blessed and supported by “the Father of lights.” Nothing untoward or wasteful comes from such an attitude.
We’ve been squeaking by this year in our general operating spending, and yet greatly generous in our giving and supporting specific programs and opportunities presented during the year. But having a warm, safe place to worship, to learn and share, and to celebrate is as much of a part of who we are as a community of faith as our outreach to the community.
We are blessed with a professional church musician well-versed in worship leadership, in
teaching and in developing a love for sacred music in all forms. She really is a gift from God.
We have an office staff that ensures we have supplies and materials to share the sacraments, bless our young and welcome our new friends, get out information and desires to the community and express our joy and consolation with each other.
We have volunteers that give of their time to livestream worship, teach our young, provide
opportunities to get to know one another, to provide for the needs of others. Each of these areas involve the purchase of items involved or to be given away. Without this, our testimony to God’s love is diminished.
As we approach the coming year, please give prayerful consideration to an increased
commitment of financial support to Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and its ministries.
EVERY GOOD GIFT IS FROM ABOVE!
Shalom.
Pr. Mark
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