Jeff's Journal

We quickly approach our 2012 stewardship campaign.

Please consider one or more of these thoughts in preparing

   to pledge in support of the church's work for 2012.

1. We are defined, not by what we have, but by what we give.

2. Rather than thinking a safe, respectable contribution,

   plan on giving as much as you are able to give.

3. Think of what your gifts do, instead of the dollar amount

   you are giving.

   What do your gifts do?

      —  Fund mission work in Africa, the Philippines and more.

      —  Provides help for members of FCC who are in need.

      —  Buys grape juice, paper towels, pays the water bill,

           purchases Sunday School material, maintains the van,

           keeps us warm, funds qualified leadership and more.

      —  Staffs a nursery, keeps us clean, pays for the newsletter,

           funds the work of all committees, buys music, feeds the hungry,

           provides us Sunday bulletins, repairs what is broken, and more.

4.  Imagine what would be an outstanding year of giving for you and

    attempt to achieve it in your pledge.

5.  Think percentages. Try to give 5%, 7% or 8% of all your income.

6.  Seek the joy which comes from giving. Some have said, "Give

    until it feels good."

7.  Think what the church has meant to folks through the years. Care,

     guidance, fellowship, friendship, work for the common good, prayers

     offered, human need met, fun, worship, study and more.

 

Prepare yourself to give. Prepare yourself to pledge. Prepare yourself to

be generous in the same sort of way God has been generous with you.

Moving to the deeper places,

Jeff