Giving breaks the temptation of greed“The one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind.” (2 Corinthians 9:6-7a)
Sherry often walked away from a night of volunteering at the Food Pantry wondering why she had given up such precious time to deal with such difficult situations. Then there were nights like last night, when the people were so very appreciative and thankful for what they received. She pulled out her calendar and automatically planned to be there again in two weeks. Whether it was a good night or a challenging night, she was always reminded of what a difference this ministry makes in the lives of real people, and she was happy to volunteer.
As we journey through the holiday season, we tend to focus primarily on the material gifts we can give one another. Yet we are also reminded that as disciples, we are called to give of ourselves – our time and talents, not just our treasures.
When we think about the gifts we can bring to the church, it is important for us to remember the value of our time. And it is important for us to give thanks for the time that some of our members give to the church. Without the precious volunteers who give so many hours of labor to the church, we would fail! We could not afford to buy all the good will, the energy, the creative talents, and the hard work that many of our members freely give to the church. Our volunteers give critical support to our ministries by teaching classes and leading youth groups, singing and playing in various choirs, cooking and serving meals, mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, working in the nursery, assembling newsletters, and so much more!
Take a moment during the season of Thanksgiving to say “thank you” to the men and women who share the most precious gift of all in the name of Christ. For the gift of time is priceless!
--Wisconsin Ann Conf
Sherry often walked away from a night of volunteering at the Food Pantry wondering why she had given up such precious time to deal with such difficult situations. Then there were nights like last night, when the people were so very appreciative and thankful for what they received. She pulled out her calendar and automatically planned to be there again in two weeks. Whether it was a good night or a challenging night, she was always reminded of what a difference this ministry makes in the lives of real people, and she was happy to volunteer.
As we journey through the holiday season, we tend to focus primarily on the material gifts we can give one another. Yet we are also reminded that as disciples, we are called to give of ourselves – our time and talents, not just our treasures.
When we think about the gifts we can bring to the church, it is important for us to remember the value of our time. And it is important for us to give thanks for the time that some of our members give to the church. Without the precious volunteers who give so many hours of labor to the church, we would fail! We could not afford to buy all the good will, the energy, the creative talents, and the hard work that many of our members freely give to the church. Our volunteers give critical support to our ministries by teaching classes and leading youth groups, singing and playing in various choirs, cooking and serving meals, mowing the lawn, shoveling snow, working in the nursery, assembling newsletters, and so much more!
Take a moment during the season of Thanksgiving to say “thank you” to the men and women who share the most precious gift of all in the name of Christ. For the gift of time is priceless!
--Wisconsin Ann Conf
God Is Still In Control!
Miss Lladale Carey
Web Content Producer
UMCGiving.org
United Methodist Communications
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