2024 Financial Stewardship Drive Kickoff!
– The Rev. Dr. James Butler
The Apostle Paul was probably on his third and final missionary journey when he received word from his assistant, Titus, that the believers in Corinth were undergoing intense persecution while also being harassed by false teachers. Scholars say the Corinthian believers were working class people who had to make ends meet with limited incomes. And yet, Paul mentions their “eagerness” to help support their even less fortunate Christian friends in Jerusalem. Paul assured them that God is generous and kind and would help them achieve their worthy goal.
LPC’s financial statements over the past 24 months following the pandemic are evidence that Paul’s convictions were spot on — God has provided our needs and there has been “more than enough” so that we have helped other ministries and organizations do good things! LPC models the ancient practice of the tithe — giving away ten percent of the church’s annual income as a “first fruits” offering of thanksgiving.
Generous giving is an incredibly important part of Christian living. What we do with our time, money and energy matters; it is a witness to an increasingly materialistic and secular world. We give because God has supplied our needs. We give as an act of thanksgiving for the blessings we enjoy. We give generously so that we do not turn money into an idol. We give because God has given “more than enough.”
Following the All Saints’ Sunday service on November 5, the 2024 Stewardship packets will be available for pickup in the Atrium. Distributing in person saves a lot of precious postage money. Envelopes that are left will be mailed to every household. Each envelope will have a cover letter that explains the four-page “Narrative Budget,” which shows how every dollar will be spent to support worship and music, faith formation for all ages, pastoral care and fellowship, and mission, outreach and justice. Also included will be a 2024 Pledge/Estimate of Giving card and envelope that can be brought back to church for dedication on Thanksgiving Sunday, November 19. A special fellowship time with a light luncheon in the Atrium will follow the worship service.