Sunday, October 8, 2000
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Sunday, October 8, 2000 |
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Churches emphasize giving By PAT NEWMAN
Providence United Methodist Church in Fayetteville has just launched its Stewardship Campaign 2000. Each Sunday in October, one aspect of giving, such as prayers, presence, gifts and service will be highlighted, according to the Rev. Jim Ellison, Pastor. Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Peachtree City has appealed to its parishioners to give prayerful consideration to sharing additional time and talent in one of the more than two dozen active ministries of the church, as well as reviewing financial commitments to the parish and special ongoing projects. This Sunday is Dedication Sunday at Christ Our Hope Lutheran Church in Riverdale, pastored by the Rev. Jeffrey Halenza. "It's the day on which we present at the altar our pledges of time and ability and financial support," Halenza said. He offers his church members seven reasons for pledging to the church: * Just as God has pledged his love to us in Christ; we need to pledge our love in return to express our thanks and praise. By pledging a portion of our income and committing a portion of our time and ability, we show that our love for God is real; pledging is a way of loving God. * Pledging connects us to Christ by connecting us to His body the church. * Pledging establishes priorities in our lives; it is a concrete way of putting God first. * Pledging gives meaning to what we do; only by committing to and involving ourselves in something, does it have meaning for us. * Pledging enables a congregation to develop and plan for the future. As in a family, so too in a church, you need to know your income in order to budget effectively and plan. * Pledging is a way of investing and involving ourselves in something that truly matters; our own spiritual growth, our children, the community, Christ's church. * Pledging expresses a trust in God, and a willingness to follow Christ; it is a very real way to say, "I believe."
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