Greetings to you and yours in the Name of Jesus!
I experienced tears Sunday morning watching John Neher’s poignant and heartfelt video testimony (links to stewardship videos below) about serving at our Homeless Breakfast every morning. His perspective about the homeless in OKC has changed dramatically since he began to serve. Service has a way of doing that. We no longer judge others, but we begin to love them like Jesus.
As we prayerfully consider our giving to Jesus through First Church in 2010, you’ll notice a change in the new Commitment card. Not only are we asking for your financial commitment, but also for a commitment to serve. There are many ways to serve at First Church and beyond; Homeless ministry, Whiz Kids, Children and Youth Ministries, Celebrate Recovery, McKee Center, volunteer receptionist, usher, Sunday school teacher, prayer ministries –the sky is the limit! So please indicate your area of interest on this year’s card.
As you prayerfully consider what your financial commitment to Christ will be in 2010, I’m going to ask you this year to take a genuine step of faith. The most practical way I know to show I really trust and love God is with my giving. Do I give to Him first, last, or really not at all? You and I are in one of those categories. Since I never want to ask you to do something I’m not doing; I want you to know that Robin and I give our tithe; the first 10% (gross income before taxes) to First Church. The US government will always get their share, but God deserves our very best! It is the first check we write every payday. We have done that our entire married life and can testify to God’s faithfulness thru the fat and lean years. He is faithful! A First Church member, Gene Jordan sent me this scripture today, “Give generously to him and do so without a grudging heart; then because of this the Lord your God will bless you in all your work and in everything you put your hand to.” Deut. 15:10 That’s a promise we can count on!
Below is a link to a monthly chart about percentage giving you can download. Please locate your estimated income for 2010 and locate your current giving level. Whatever it is, I would ask you to move one or more columns to the right. We’ll be increasing our giving as a family this year as well, though our salary remains unchanged.
I pray we’re on the verge of a spiritual “break through” at First Church! Thanks in advance for doing the very best you can do for God! After all, “Without faith it is impossible to please God!” Hebrews 11:6. I want to be a God-pleaser; don’t you?
In Christ’s Love,
Pastor Mark McAdow
P.S. Be sure to bring your Commitment card with you on Sunday November 22!