Comments from our congregation about giving:
"To share God's gifts in bringing about his Kingdom." - Irene
"It's our opportunity to participate in God's story of creation, fellowship and joy." - Richard
"So that people can worship here and find help, peace and God's grace." - Mary
"You have a responsibility to take care of what doesn't belong to you." - Dwight
"For the care, nurturing and preservation of others and the environment in which we live." - Susan
"To support our community." - Jim
"Jesus said, 'Where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.' Sacrificial giving reminds me of who I am in God's loving embrace." - Jean
"We've been given all that is necessary for joy. We can use it to move toward the joy that is complete." - Linda
"Because we are doing God's work. The more we give, the more we can do, and the more we will be." - Jay
"Because it's the right thing to do." - a vestry member
Joyful Giving
Jesus leaves no doubt in his words and actions that God has definite intentions for all the blessings we receive. God's blessings are for restoring and renewing; establishing justice, dignity, equity, wholeness; and for ending hunger, oppression, and suffering. Stewardship is about the need for people to give thanks to God for their many blessings and gifts.
We live in a world where we feel like we never have enough time, energy or money to accomplish all that we would like to accomplish. What are we to do in these hectic times? Perhaps, we need to step back and take stock of what is important -- our God, our families and our community in Jesus Christ. We might spend more time with God each day in prayer, worship and spiritual reading. We can work to find more ways to share our talents so that our skills and strengths will make life better for others. We can take comfort in the joy of generously giving from our treasure for God's work.
Only you and God know how much you should pledge of your time, talent and treasure. Regardless of the amount, your pledge to Trinity says, "I am a part of this community, and its goals are important to me." Jesus measured generosity by the condition of the giver's heart, not by the amount. You will know that you have pledged enough by the warm feeling that comes with giving generously from the heart.