TOP ALBAN_WEEKLY THINKING_AS_STEWARDS PLEASE_NOTE_IMPORTANT_CORRECTIONS
CONFIRMATION_RETREAT HELLO_TO_ALL The_Rev._William_M._Smutz
GROWING IN GRACE, GENEROSITY
(Ray Fancher)
An annual fundraising campaign is only one part of the larger spiritual discipline of Christian stewardship. The annual fundraising campaign might focus on the 10% of our annual income; stewardship begins when we prayerfully consider what use we make of the other 90% of our annual income.
The spiritual discipline of Christian stewardship helps us to ask about the faithfulness with which we use and share all God’s gifts, not just money. It concerns the cars we drive, the homes in which we live, the size of our individual and community carbon footprint on the earth and the rest of its inhabitants. All this and far more must be a source of serious consideration and intentional action in the Christian community.
However, we—especially we pastors—are often tempted to speak in general terms of “stewardship” as a way of avoiding talking directly about money. Certainly the topic of money in the Christian community always belongs in the larger context of stewardship, since God provides creation and all its gifts and holds us accountable for the decisions we make about all that we have. And ultimately, the starting place for any of our conversations about money must always be God’s grace.
In 2 Corinthians Paul challenges and encourages the church there to follow through on their intended financial offering for the poor saints in the Jerusalem church (8:10-11). Paul reminds the Corinthians they “will be enriched in every way for your great generosity” for such gifts “not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God” (9:11-12). So, he invites them to grow in both grace and generosity as reflections of a God of grace and generosity.
Many of you may already be underway with your annual fundraising campaign. We want to provide some thoughts and tools for you and your congregation in your effort to grow in grace and generosity. Over the next three months, look for an article in this Wednesday Mail related specifically to money and finances. Different people will provide these views, all of whom have been active on our Financial Task Force.
What might happen if we all—individually and as congregations—grew in grace and generosity? Imagine all the thanksgivings to God that might overflow in abundance!
Ray Fancher, Interim General Presbyter
The September 24, 2007 issue of Alban Weekly discusses “The Conventional Caring Conversation.” To read this article please click on the date.
(John Van Nuys)
Mark 12:35-44. Truly I say to you, this poor widow has put in more than all those who are contributing to the treasury.
Frederick Buechner, in his book Wishful Thinking, may have had the poor widow in mind when he passed along the following definition of sacrifice: “To sacrifice something is to make it holy by giving it away.”
Not long ago my wife and I decided to move from the home in which we had lived for more than twenty years into a retirement community, which meant downsizing in a big way. While it was at first a bit of a stretch to pass along to others the “things” which had been near at hand for so many years—furniture to the refugee resettlement center and books to the library—the more we shared, the better we felt about having done so.
But of course, we were giving away “out of our abundance,” whereas the poor widow in the story, as Jesus pointed out, “put everything she had, her whole living.” She is sometimes cited as an expamle of “sacrificial giving.” Perhaps we all have something to gain from her example.
From Forward Day by Day
PLEASE NOTE IMPORTANT CORRECTIONS
The Geneva Center Roof Blitz mentioned in the last two weeks states that the dates are for Wednesday, October 10 and Saturday, October 13, however, it is actually October 10 through October 13. Much help is needed on our site house. If you are available, please come and lend a hand or if you would like to donate to the cost of materials, please call the Geneva Center office at 574-223-6915.
I also want to apologize to First Presbyterian Church, Michigan City for not getting in last week’s Wed Mail, your time slot for the missionary Bill Yoder. I am truly sorry for the error.
Shelly Gibson, Receptionist PWV
Mark your calendars NOW!! Presbytery of Wabash Valley Confirmation Retreat at Geneva Center, Friday, April 11, 2008 through Sunday, April 13, 2008.
Watch for registration information after January 1, 2007.
As I looked at the description of this conference at the NEWEST Center For Congregational Growth in Fort Wayne, I thought that we, as a Presbytery, should be present in huge numbers. I talked to Ray Fancher and he asked that I organize a group from the Presbytery to attend. Friday, November 16 in Fort Wayne with Anthony Papas is: Small Church Spirituality. It is one day. Here is how to register...call 260-435-1880 or visit www.centerforcongregations.org. Let’s put this on our calendars. I am going and so is my lectionary study group. Let me know if you need a ride or have any questions, revanns@aol.com.
Ann Smith Williams
The Presbytery of Wabash Valley
cordially invites you to the
Installation of
as Pastor
Sunday, October 14, 2007
2:00 p.m. (eastern time zone)
Central Presbyterian Church
31 North Seventh Street
Lafayette IN 47901
765-742-8481
The Christian Church in Winamac is holding a seminar entitled Lead Like Jesus via satellite on Friday, October, 19. The time of the telecast (at the church) is from 11:30 a.m.—5:30 p.m. EST. The cost is $25 which includes lunch. It is being sponsored by the Pulaski Ministerial Association in which I am a member.
The speakers include Ken Blanchard, author of The One Minute Manager; Erwin McManus, author of Soul Cravings; John Ortberg, author of The Life You’ve Always Wanted; Nancy Ortberg; Laurie Beth Jones, author of Jesus, CEO; Rosey Grier, professional football player; Margie Blanchard, Bill Pollard, Phil Hodges, Patrick Lencioni, and Phyllis Hendry.
If anyone is interested in going and would like more information, please call me, Marcia Cline at 574-753-7407 for ticket information.
Marcia Cline, Commissioned Lay Pastor,
First PC of Winamac and Pulaski PC of Winamac