Giving Means Thinking Positively

“Make the most of every chance you get.   These are desperate times.”  

(Ephesians 5:16 The Message)

As we begin the month of May in our church, we’re making the transition from spring to summer.   We’re moving from a busy, busy time to a little bit slower schedule over the summer with generally lower attendance (unless you live in a vacation area!).   The “snowbirds” return from the south and others are missing due to vacations and other activities.

What is God calling you to give this summer – of your time, your talents and your treasures?  Do you have time to help clean and paint some Sunday School rooms?  Do you have a talent to offer during Vacation Bible School – even if your own children are grown?  Perhaps you can try giving your regular tithes and offerings electronically through your bank over the next three months, especially if you have lots of weekends when you’re out-of-town.

Here are some thoughts to share as you move through this summer:

1.    Be positive when inviting members and friends of the church to give.  Your church does good work and you are inviting others to invest in that ministry.

2.    Giving to God is not a transaction.  Anytime you give anyone a gift it is a reflection of your relationship.  Your commitment to the church should be a reflection of your relationship with God in Christ and the Church.

3.    People give to change lives.

4.    Money is never an end in itself in the church.  Money is a tool for ministry.  A bank account that is bursting at the seams but not used for ministry is like having a sanctuary no one is ever allowed to enter.

5.    Churches that have regular stewardship campaigns receive more money from their members than those that do not.  You get what you ask for, not what you wish for.

-- Wisconsin Ann Conf

God Is Still In Control!

Miss Lladale Carey

Web Content Producer

www.umcgiving.org

lcarey@umcom.org