Join us for upcoming events where we seek to connect with the God of Creation (Matthew 22:37-38), connect with the Body of Christ (Matthew 22:39), and connect with our community, state, nation, and the world (Acts 1:8) to share the saving message of the Gospel.
We will take up a special offering for the General Fund. Also, we will observe the Lord’s Supper.
A few years ago, our church started a tradition called Sacrifice Sunday, which we observe
whenever a month has five Sundays. This coming Sunday, we will continue that practice. On Sacrifice Sundays, we commemorate the sacrifice of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ by taking part in communion and by contributing to a special sacrifice offering. We call it a sacrifice offering because it is in addition to our regular tithe. In the past, we have used these offerings to connect outward by supporting other ministries or to connect inward by financing projects that enable us to better minister to the needs of those who attend our church.
When the Church Council met a few weeks ago, we discussed some excellent causes we could contribute to, but we felt that we should save those for a later date because we had a more pressing need: our General Fund. During January and February, our GF contributions have been significantly lower. Offerings tend to be low in the weeks following the Christmas season, but this year they are lower than usual. There are multiple reasons for this, including our uncertain economy. Our General Fund covers our operating expenses, pays our employees, and allows us to minister to our congregation and the community. We can certainly find ways to reduce spending, and we will be doing that because we want to be good stewards. However, we don’t want to shortchange our ability to make an impact for the Kingdom of God because our primary calling is to make disciples.
The good news is that God is in control. We have seen Him work in amazing ways the past few weeks. A prime example is the way He has led an outstanding young man our way to serve as our Student Pastor. Not only that, but He has provided unexpected funding to make this staff addition possible. You see, if God gives you a vision, He will also give you provision to carry it out. This same God will provide for your needs as individuals and families, and He will provide for our church.
That said, the entirety of the upcoming Sacrifice Sunday offering will go to our General Fund. I hope you will join us around the Lord’s table on March 30, and I encourage you to pray about what God would have you contribute to this special offering.
In His love,
Pastor Ken