He's Moving In Our Midst
Friends,
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7 NIV).
There is an old preacher’s joke that follows this bit of scripture which adds, “But checks written in resentment, bitterness, and guilt will be cashed…”
Paul writes about cheerful giving to the church in Corinth and urges them to participate in his effort to bless the poor of Jerusalem. Paul wanted to alleviate the suffering of Jerusalem’s poor, but he was also mindful that money means something beyond its value to purchase things. It was a tangible witness of connection and community between the largely Gentile congregations that Paul founded and the Jewish followers of Jesus. Many of these Jewish followers of Jesus were still adjusting to the notion that Gentiles, who came to faith in Jesus Christ, were now children of Abraham according to the promise. This is about family for Paul. We take care of each other in a family, and we are united for a common purpose. That is why Paul tells the Corinthians to give with conviction and joy.
While there is certainly truth in the joke about churches cashing checks written from any motivation, it is an exercise in missing the point. We don’t give to support a budget. I think God invites us to give because it is one of the ways we become the people He designed and desired us to be in the first place. We give because we are family united to advance the mission of Jesus Christ in the world.
Giving is a matter of heart, hope, and maturity and not the end product of a campaign. So, the invitation is simple: if you believe in what God is up to here at University, then please prayerfully make a plan for your generosity in the coming year and fill out an Estimate of Giving Card for 2020. You can mail in your card, fill it out online, on our app, drop it off at the church office, or join in prayer and dedication of giving during one of the October 27th morning worship services. That is when we will dedicate our gifts to the mission of God in the coming year at University. Your estimate of giving aids our ability to plan and lead this community with wisdom for the coming year and we thank you for your support.
I believe the Holy Spirit is moving in our midst and I believe that University has been sent to this community with purpose. I am grateful for the courage and commitment found in the legacy of this church that makes this present moment possible. We are just beginning to glimpse the future that lives in the heart of God for this church and this community and I hope you will join us in giving courageously and cheerfully.
In gratitude and hope,
Pastor Ben