Dear Saints, This Sunday, November 20, marks the culmination of our annual Stewardship program which focuses upon Treasure. We refer to this day as both Consecration Sunday and as Celebration Sunday. Consecration Sunday calls us in faith to recognize that everything comes from God. We give back a portion to continue God’s work through His church, St. Luke. Celebration Sunday shows appreciation for all that God has given us. Here we share this good news with each other with a feast.
The Bible teaches us about tithing, recommending that we return to God 10% of what we “harvest”. That takes tremendous faith and the firm belief that God will provide for us in abundance for He loves a generous giver. However the goal of tithing is one that is often reached in stages by “testing the waters.” In faith, try increasing giving by 1% of your harvest and see what happens. Most of you will not notice the difference in your daily lives, but you may be surprised how your harvest continues to grow and your view of the importance of money changes. But understand that the card that you are asked to fill out this Sunday is an “Estimate of Giving”, not a pledge – it is not an obligation but a faith based effort to fulfill a promise that we consecrate at His altar.
Now the feast. The Bible is full of stories about feasts and celebrations. It is a joyous expression of gratitude for what we have and one in which all can participate. For St. Luke as a community of believers it brings us together in an atmosphere of true fellowship. Sunday will be the Fourth Annual Celebration Turkey Dinner! Stewardship supplies the turkey and gravy, dressing, mashed potatoes and rolls. You saints provide the “fixins” – A–H side dish; I–P salad; and Q–Z dessert. What a blessed start to the holiday season.
This year’s campaign verse from James 1 calls us to “… let endurance have its full effect, so that you may be mature and complete, lacking in nothing.” Real faith is a distance race, not a sprint, and is developed over one’s lifetime. A significant part of this is reflecting upon how God has provided you with riches that have nothing to do with a bank account. True riches flow from above and a mature faith is willing to share these riches with others. St. Luke provides that opportunity to share and in return enrich our lives even more. Please join in with other saints and support St. Luke ministries in 2017 by turning in your estimate of giving card on Sunday. God’s Blessings to You, Your Stewardship Committee
