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Our congregation has a goal to receive 170 Intent Cards during this season of generosity. 170 returned Intent Cards releases a $15,000 challenge gift from the Monday Morning Men’s Bible Study into the 2024 ministry budget at CtK!
We give thanks to these men and their households for this wonderful leadership gift above and beyond their own 2024 donations. As you prepare for Generosity Sunday, October 29th, consider these words from Henri Nouwen: “You are being invited to invest yourself through the resources God has given you–your energy, your prayers, and your money–in this work to which God has called us.” “You won’t become poorer, you will become richer by giving.” The Apostle Paul says,“You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity” (2 Corinthians 9:11).
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How much is enough? Usually, just a little but more. It is common to worry there will not be enough. This is called The Scarcity Assumption. It is human and natural but it is not Christian.
Our faith teaches us God will provide sufficiently for all our needs if we but trust in God’s promises.This is so even when we give away the largest portion or amount we have ever given! Throughout scripture we find signs of this faithfulness: Abraham and Sarah, Ruth, Jonah, all the disciples and more were sustained by God’s grace. These examples were written and handed down for our instruction and assurance. Learn to give in faith means the assumption of sufficiency, not scarcity. God will provide for God cares for us. Americans can be a study in contradictions. One study found recent years have been some of the most generous in giving to churches and non-profits. Another study found the median protestant (person in the middle if lined up smallest percentage to largest) only give 0.62% of their income to the church. Less than 1%.
Often the reason for this has less to do with their wealth or income and more to do with intentionality. Regular systematic giving makes a huge difference. Over the course of a year, $1 per day comes to a gift of $365, which for about 35-40% of Americans would be significant growth in their giving to the church. The average Starbucks coffee costs $3.00. This amounts to over $1,000 if one is purchased every day of the year. Regular, systematic giving can help all of us become more generous. We get overwhelmed when we think about larger numbers like $1,000. However, most of us can find $3 per day. As you think and pray about your generosity this year. Consider how systematic giving may help you become more generous. |
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Christ the King Lutheran Church
1900 7th Street NW New Brighton, MN 55112 Phone: 651-633-4674 Email: [email protected] Office Hours: 9 am - 2 pm Mon - Thurs or by appointment Sunday Schedule Morning Worship at 9:30 am |
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