Generous- (adjective) showing a readiness to give more of something, as money or time, than is strictly necessary or expected. (Websters Dictionary)
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap.
For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you” (Luke 6:38)
I really like Webster’s definition of generous, especially the line describing a generous person as one who gives more than is strictly necessary or expected. I think that line describes our congregation perfectly, for you are all generous with your time and your treasures!
It is always a tender time in the church when it comes to the Season of Stewardship. I will admit in my early years of attending church I would bristle in my pew when the topic of money came up. I don’t know why that was my reaction; I know I am not alone in feeling this way.
As I grew in my faith and became more involved in the church, I came to understand things a little more clearly. Like any household, money is needed to keep things running. It costs money to maintain our beautiful church. It costs money to fund activities and learning material for our youth. It costs money to feed our neighbors. Then of course there is my private jet, that is super expensive!
One of the things that really made me fall in love with our church was the leap of faith you all took when you stopped passing an offering plate during church. You knew people would still give–perhaps you knew people would give more! It has proven to be quite successful and puts people at ease. No one is watching us and seeing how much money we put in!
This year we have taken a similar leap of faith in our Stewardship Campaign in that we are celebrating your generosity, not just with our church but with organizations that are near and dear to your hearts. We are a fellowship who is “Devoted to Generosity,” not just at our church but around the world.
As we come upon our season of Thanksgiving let us continue with our devotion to generosity with a spirit of gratitude for all we have. It is what Jesus called us to do, and it is what you all do so beautifully.
Pastor Val
Arcane Technology Solutions, LLC