November, 2009

Dear Friends,

WITH GOD, ALL THINGS ARE POSSIBLE

I have been touched by recent talks on giving from our members before worship.  I have been moved by the work of our Stewardship Committee.  I am impressed by the need of Dennis Union Church to have its ministry supported without living hand to mouth, asking for money. I am inspired by the core of joyous sacrificial givers at Dennis Union Church. I am grateful to have a job in this economy. My youngest girl has finished college and I can now give in ways impossible before. Dollars given for God’s work are, for me, not bills to pay, but happy gifts to make.

Sometimes I find it too easy to go on and on why I couldn’t possibly give more for God’s purposes. I begin here with the reasons why I can.  The words of Dante inspire me in such matters, “Tell me of your faith, I’ve doubts enough of my own.”

My goal is to reach the biblical tithe, ten percent, of my post tax income in giving to DUC in 2009.  My hope is then to increase my pledge by ten percent for 2010. Is that possible?  Well, it is a struggle, yes, but a joyous and worthwhile struggle. Contrary to some, I do not believe tithing is impossible.  My first year of married life, we earned $6,700 and gave $670 to the church.  Such proportionate  giving is possible if, first, we decide to support the church before making other plans with our spending, and second, we carefully watch discretionary spending as we go.

If our personal discretionary spending goes unchecked, some find not enough is “left over” to support the church. Consider what we Americans spend per year in certain familiar discretionary areas.  These figures are from the U.S. government.

   -$27.9 billion on candy

   -$92.9 billion on bottled water and soda

   -$59.2 billion on jewelry and watches

   -$288.7 billion on domestic travel and tourism

   -$203.7 billion on entertainment (TV, radio, theater)

   -$15.2 billion on boats, engines, and marine products.

   -$36.5 billion on pets, toys, and playground equipment

   -$24.1 billion on purchasing DVDs to watch at home

So how much do we personally spend on the above?  Do we ever consider those purchases as closely as our giving to the church? The above list also illustrates that despite hard times, we are still likely the most affluent Christians in 2,000 years of church history. Generous giving might be more possible than we realize.  

I am aware that by the time you read this, you might have already decided how much you will give to DUC for 2010.   I say,  feel free  to  revise  that at any time with pledge cards that we make available in the pews and throughout the church.

For me, giving is a joy. God has abundantly blessed me, so I might bless others.

Your Pastor,

        Dale

Dear Friends in Christ:

You know the saying, “Time flies when you’re having fun.” Well, I can assure you that applies to me now. As you read this message, we will be celebrating our one year anniversary in ministry together. I have been zooming across the weeks and months learning new things and meeting a host of new friends – all of you, friends in the love and service of Jesus Christ. I thank you for your kindness, your humor and your joy, your zest for life and family, church and community, and especially for the authentic representation of your faith. These tangible touchstones of life are the very reasons I accepted your call to ministry here at Dennis Union Church. Time does fly when you’re having fun, which helps any labor of love seem less like work.  Now that we are settled, we have a lot to do to be faithful to the call of God to be in full relationship with each other and our community.

I look forward to the year ahead as we consider how we might welcome new members to Dennis Union. I look forward to the continuation of our Confirmation Class and their journey to the next phase of their Christian lives. None of this we do alone. We stand together as a family, as the brothers and sisters Jesus calls us to be. There is so much to do, but it’s easier when we are joyfully engaged in the work of Jesus.

I will continue to write essays about life that so many of you have appreciated.   I will continue to be invigorated in worship with our extraordinary music ministry. I will continue to be a partner to Cindy in Confirmation and other areas of her ministry that support so many in our church and beyond. I will continue to be a working and spiritual partner with Dale as we share the responsibilities of pastoral leadership you call us both to offer and develop.

I will continue to be alive in the Body and Spirit of Jesus Christ as we make our way together in life and faith. I do hope time doesn’t fly by too fast; I hope to take it all in, one day at a time.

Blessings and love be yours,  

John