Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Once again we had our annual congregational meeting, which proves that our church is alive and well. This year’s action included the adoption of bylaws, which either had never been a part of this church’s history or were so well secured that no one could find them. The action was necessitated by the denomination’s having adopted a less specific Form of Government (one of the sections of the Book of Order).

One of the reports I can’t let stand without some comment. The summary of the estimate of giving indicated a less than enthusiastic response to the year’s stewardship campaign. On paper it augurs ill for the financial health of the church, but I think it only paints part of the story.

This congregation has been very faithful in supporting the church with their gifts, both of talents and of money. Not all of the gifts are reflected in estimates of giving (pledges), as some people are hesitant to commit to paper what they intend to consecrate to God’s use. End-of-year balances have always exceeded estimates of giving; and this trend has been taken into account when the budget is adopted.

My concern is for the spiritual health of the members. The church is less in need of our financial contributions than we, God’s people, are in need of intentionally devoting a portion of what we have received (and what we are) to God’s glory. To rely on giving God whatever happens to be available when we have finished with our priorities relegates God to a secondary position behind whatever our priorities are. That puts our Christian identity behind our other commitments.

Granted, the year’s stewardship campaign was probably the least intrusive we have had in years. We had a minimum of gimmicks and enticements, relying instead on the maturity and the conscience of the members. Let’s face it, though: some of us – even mature and conscientious – need to be reminded, sometimes more than once, to carry out our obligations and intentions.

So this is that friendly reminder. To those who have responded with an estimate of giving, we thank you for your generosity. To those who choose not to commit themselves ahead of time, but prefer to let the Spirit move them in their giving, I challenge the Spirit to surprise even you in your generosity. To those who unintentionally let the opportunity slip past you, I encourage you to take a Financial Stewardship Commitment card from the pamphlet rack in the narthex, fill it out and return it to the financial secretary.

It’s even in the Bible: “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” (1 Corinthians 9:7 NRSV) That’s our goal for this year, is to make this a joyful congregation. Whether Paul is implying that giving makes one cheerful, or that only gifts from cheerful people meet with God’s approval, it’s worth trying both to see which gives more satisfaction.

May God continue to shower you with such abundant blessings that your only response is gratitude.