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The Joy of Giving

Most pastors really do not like to talk about giving and tithing. After all, who likes to talk about money? However, money is not a dirty word! It is necessary to keep our doors open, our lights on and our ministries funded. Jesus said to the disciples he was sending out, "Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra tunic." He told them this to remind them that those who supported their ministry would faithfully provide for their needs. Clearly, those resources came from somewhere -provided by God, yes. However they were provided by God through faithful people. We are called to give!

More important than paying the bills, the practice of giving regularly and intentionally helps us grow in faith and mature spiritually. It is a Spiritual Discipline that requires us to trust and obey God's call on our lives to be generous. It serves as a continual reminder of God’s blessing and provision in our lives. It requires us to put our own needs and wants into proper perspective, to set aside our own interests for the sake of God and others. Generosity is a tool God uses to shape our hearts. And through the spiritual discipline of giving, our hearts become one with God’s heart and our faith grows. 

Pledging (estimating what we will give during the year) helps us embrace the spiritual discipline of regular, faithful giving. In their major study of the giving habits of American Christians, sociologists Christian Smith and Michael Emerson found that in every denomination studied those who filled out pledge cards contributed more regularly than those who did not. Their evidence led them to conclude that the process of pledging helps people to maintain their Spiritual practice of giving. Pledging helps us grow in generosity.

It is time for us to think about our pledges for 2026. How much of our resources will we give back to God this year? Are we able to take a small step up in giving? How will we give of our time in service to God? What gifts and talents has God blessed us with that we can share with others. I invite you to pray about these questions. 

If giving is new to you it might seem a bit odd and even scary. Just remember that a pledge is a promise but not a contract in any way. If things change in your life, it's ok! You may always change your pledge. If you have been a regular giver for some time, I invite you to consider taking a step up in your pledge this year, maybe even consider tithing (10%). 

Remember that a good majority of our budget is funded by your tithes and offering. This year we are also exploring other options like fundraising, grants and community  partnerships in addition to your giving. Maybe helping with these is a way you might be able to serve the church. Let us know if you are gifted in these areas and willing to serve. 

Pledge cards will be available on February 1st, so you have some time to pray about your pledge and your giving for 2026. Whatever you decide, we are grateful for you!

41 Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. 42 But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.

43 Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. 44 They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.” (Mark 12:41-44)

Grace and Peace 

-Pastor Madeline