|
|
| Christian Stewardship Our annual stewardship pledge drive is underway. If you have not already returned your pledge card, please do so. If you do not have a copy of the pledge card, please print the attached PDF and return to our church office. Give to the Lord and He will replenish your riches. No one likes to talk about tithing or the amount someone pledges. Finances are a very personal thing and many of us get extremely uncomfortable when we begin talking about finances, pledging and the church. Yet, the bible is full of references about tithing and supporting the good work of our God. Many of us are afraid that if we tithe or increase our giving to the Lord, there will not be enough left over for our own needs. Yet, the bible tells us constantly to give to the Lord and He will replenish our riches. Just read the story from 1Kings 17:10-15
"When Elijah came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, "Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?" As she was going to get it, he called, "And bring me, please a piece of bread." As surely ask the Lord your God lives, she replied, "I don't have any bread-only a handful of flour in a jar and a little oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and made a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it and die." Elijah said to her, "Don't be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small cake of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says:” The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord give rain." She went away and did as Elijah had told her. There was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family." If you have doubts or fears about increasing your pledge, or even pledging for the first time, why not try this idea from Rev. Brain Kluth? "If you are fearful about giving pledging or giving 10% to your income to the Lord, try a 90 day test.: In Malachi 3:10 God invites people to "test Him" in the matter of tithing ( giving 10% of your income to God work). Therefore, I encourage people to try a 90- day test. Begin giving 10% of your income to the Lord's work and watch and see if God does not begin working in your life in ways you haven't previously experienced. If you regret the decision OR if you feel you never experienced God's divine help in your finances during this time period, then discontinue the test. However, if you experience God's help, joyfully continue giving and pledging to the ministry of Jesus Christ?. Why not give it a try? Can't we all try something new for 90 days? If you look at all the days of your life, 90 of them is a very small number to give to the Lord. So why not join me and try this spiritual and faith practice--we have very little to lose and treasure in heaven to gain. Peace: Victoria The Commitment Years ago a young man knelt with his pastor and prayed as he committed to God his tithe. His first week's pay was $10.00 and the tithe was $1.00. As he grew older he became more prosperous and his tithe was $7.00 a week, then $10.00. He moved to another city and soon his tithe was $100 a week, then $200, then $500.
One day the younger man sent his old friend a wire, "Please come see me." The pastor arrived at the man's house. They had a good time talking over old times. Finally the man came to his point. "You remember that promise I made years ago to tithe. How can I get released?"
"Why would you want to get released," asked the pastor?
"It's like this," replied the man, "When I made the promise I only had to give $1.00, but now it is $500. I can't afford to give away money like that." The old pastor looked at his friend. "I am afraid we cannot get released from the promise, but there is something we can do. We can kneel and ask God to shrink your income so you can afford to give $1.00 again." Author Unknown
Marvin Krause
WIT & WISDOM - October 28, 1998
Now you can contribute your pledged gifts as well as donate in honor of or in memory of someone special. DONATE NOW TO FIRST CHURCH Please note that 1.9% - 2.9% of your contribution will be deducted for processing fees payable to our on-line service.
What does it mean to be a steward?
As Christians we are stewards of our Christian Faith. This is a rich and vibrant faith, which has been passed down through hundreds of generations and spread throughout the world. Martyrs died for our faith, millions have and continue to be persecuted for it, and billions have flocked to it and will continue to do so. Through our Lord Jesus Christ we are united in our call to love and serve.
As men and women, fathers and mothers, sons and daughters, we are stewards of the relationships God has given us. Fathers and mothers are stewards of their children who rely upon them for love, education, food, shelter, and faith formation. Husbands and wives are stewards of each other.
As workers we are stewards of the talents God has given to us. Whether you are a computer engineer or a doctor, a lawyer, a gas station attendant or a janitor, God has gifted humanity with the dignity of work.
As wage earners we are stewards of the treasure God gives us. Responsibility with money is good stewardship, because "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Matthew 6:21) This is especially important for the times in which we live. We are locked into cell phone contracts, cable bills, and internet service, encumbrances unknown a generation ago. Do we spend more on cell phone contracts than we give back to God? How many televisions or IPods or computers do we need in one household?
As members of the community, we are stewards of God's creation. Are we using natural resources responsibly? Are we making our planet a more desirable place for future generations? A responsible sense of the environment is stewardship of God's creation. Are we taking care of each other? Improvement of the community starts with involvement.
Changing economic conditions exemplify the instability of finances throughout the world. Instead of placing their trust in the Lord who promised to meet all of their needs, many trust in their investments, savings, and retirement plans to ensure security and happiness - only to find their hopes dashed when financial reverses deplete their assets. Many are wasting their lives working 70 hour weeks trying to achieve financial security in a volatile world waiting for “someday” when they can finally be happy. God on the other hand, wants us to enjoy a full, abundant life free from the cares and stresses brought by confidence in money, and other material possessions. Rather than trusting in a worldly system that cannot assure our welfare or relying on our own weak capabilities to provide for our needs, He calls us to depend entirely on Him. I ask that you keep these thoughts in mind as you mindful pray with your family on how you will use your God given gifts to support our Church and the community at large. In closing I would like to share with you one of my Mom’s favorite prayers entitled the Prayer of St. Ignatius: Take, O Lord, and receive my entire liberty, my memory, my understanding and my whole will. All that I am and all that I possess You have given me: I surrender it all to You to be disposed of according to Your will. Give me only Your love and Your grace; with these I will be rich enough, and will desire nothing more.
| |
| What is a Planned Gift? A planned gift is one you make during your lifetime, but which benefits First Church after your death. Such a gift connects you to our vibrant faith community and family. A bequest in your will or estate is the most common type of planned gift. Other types may contain benefits during your lifetime, such as: - A charitable income tax deduction
- Tax savings on long term capital gains
- An attractive income for life with no management responsibilities
- An income for a surviving loved one after your death
For more information, please talk to your financial advisor or attorney or contact Andy Gustufson with the United Church of Christ or Ann Lisi at Greater Worcester Community Foundation, Worcester, MA 01608, (508) 755-0980. Click here to return to Home Page | | Planned Giving ~ Leave Your Legacy to Support the Future of First Church
They are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life. —1 Timothy 6:18-19 In his instructions to Timothy on various aspects of ministry, Paul includes a word about those who are not poor: “They are to do good, to be rich in good deeds, liberal and generous, thus laying up for themselves a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life which is life indeed.” Planned Giving lays a foundation for the future for all concerned, givers and receivers alike. Because of its importance to the overall financial health of the First Congregational Church of Sutton, we thank all who remember First Church with a planned gift. Making a planned gift — one that benefits the First Congregational Church of Sutton after your lifetime — is easier than you might think. There are many options. Whatever option you choose, your gift will strengthen and build your church and community for years to come. | |
|