Consecration Sunday,  Stewardship 2008

Congregations that approach financial stewardship from a biblical perspective do not view the money Christians give to their church merely as a way to pay its bills.  Rather, such congregations see financial contributions as a way to help people grow spiritually in their relationship with God by supporting their church’s mission and ministry with a percentage of their incomes.

As we begin to enter the Stewardship season in the life of this church, I want to remind everyone of just how great our spiritual growth through giving has been this year.  We have received 100% of our pledged income through September!  Beyond this giving, though, our congregation has stretched even further.  The Second Mile Giving Summary through October 8 is included elsewhere in this Update.  Check out the many extra ways our congregation has given generously and from the heart to do God’s work in the world. 

Our congregation’s finance committee has elected the New Consecration Sunday Stewardship Program as a way to teach the biblical and spiritual principles of generous giving in our stewardship education emphasis this year.

New Consecration Sunday is based on the biblical philosophy of the need of the giver to give for his or her own spiritual development, rather than on the need of the church to receive.  Instead of treating people like members of a social club who should pay dues, we will treat people like followers of Jesus Christ who want to give unselfishly as an act of discipleship.  New Consecration Sunday encourages people toward proportionate and systematic giving in response to the question, “What percentage of my income is God calling me to give?”  During morning worship on Consecration Sunday, we are asking our attendees and members to make their financial commitments to our church’s missionary, benevolent, and educational ministries in this community and around the world.   

Every attendee and member who completes an Estimate of Giving Card does so voluntarily by attending morning worship on Consecration Sunday.  We urge people to attend who feel strongly opposed to complete a card.  The procedure is done in such a way that no one feels personal embarrassment if he or she chooses not to fill out a card.

We will encourage participation in Consecration Sunday events through the Consecration Sunday team and governing board members.  Since we will make no follow-up visits to ask people to complete their cards, we will make every effort to inform, inspire and commit everyone to attend Consecration Sunday worship.

Thanks in advance for your enthusiastic participation in Consecration Sunday events.

Dan Robinson, Ad. Council Chair