10-15-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
October 15, 2023
Donna and I made our annual Estimate of Giving for the church’s work of Putting Love First, specifically thinking about the ONE who has been at the center of our conversations the last month or so. I am sure there are many emotional reactions to a church having a Stewardship Program in which it invites those who are committed to the mission to make an Estimate of Giving. In the last hundred years or so, churches have gone back and forth on whether doing an annual Program where people prayerfully consider how they can contribute to the mission and work of the church is a good thing or not. Some have said that such a program demonstrates a lack of faith, yet does faith require us to leave behind all our skills and knowledge? Stewardship is also putting before people the WHY, not in some sort of fear-based or guilt-engaging way, but as a reminder of the impact we have and hope to continue to have. And at the end of the day, I do not feel uncomfortable talking about stewardship and inviting people to make a commitment, as I not only believe in what we are doing, but Donna and I also make a commitment and give monthly to the work we are doing. In 1 Peter 4, we read:

“Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received.”

As my family acknowledges often, we are immeasurably blessed by the grace of God. One of the ways we offer our gratitude is in our support of organizations that help bring that gift of grace to any-ONE and every-ONE, though we have a special fondness for Cypress Creek Christian Church, and the work of Putting Love First In All Things.

With gratitude burning within us, Lord God, we seek to celebrate and honor you by finding every good way to bring alive your love for all. Amen.