To give is to Respond Gratefully

“…they gave themselves first to the Lord.” 2 Cor 8:5b (NRSV)

This summer is shaping up to be a roller coaster ride of temperatures, with at least two weeks so far where we have a 40 or more degree swing in the temperatures.   Unfortunately, the summer also tends to be a roller coaster ride of church attendance and income as well.  

We tend to put family, fireworks and food ahead of worshipping God on our priority list.  The 4^th of July is when we celebrate our independence as “one nation under God.”   There is nothing wrong with family, fireworks and food.   But isn’t it a bit strange that this Sunday is traditionally the Sunday with the lowest average worship attendance all year!

Our church giving shows our priorities as well. If we plan to put God first, let’s choose to say thank you to God with the first check we write each week, month, or pay period.  If we give 5% or 10% or more of everything we have back to God, we still have 90-95% to care for our needs and wants.  

When the weather is too hot for comfort, we can rest assured that the offerings we make in thanks for God’s love are changing lives.   They are helping bring smiles to the faces of hundreds of children and youth who participate in our conference camps.   They are helping countless children and leaders know the love of Jesus whether it’s hot, cold, or just right during Vacation Bible Schools in June, July and August.   And they are offering a helping hand to those in need who are suffering from tornadoes, earthquakes, floods, and wild fires.

So even if you are busy with family, fireworks and food on July 4^th this year, take the risk of putting God first in your life this summer.  Make the first check or payment you write payable to the church to help you say “thank you” for the blessings you’ve received.  You might also consider making your gifts through online banking or setting up an automatic payment through your church.  Or go to our website at www.wumf.org and make your donation online.   We’ll send 100% of your donation to your church or any other ministry you choose.

---Wisconsin UMF, WI Ann Conf


God Is Still In Control!

Miss Lladale Carey
Web Content Producer
www.umcgiving.org
lcarey@umcom.org