We’re going on a treasure hunt!
We won’t be digging holes around the church searching for buried gold, though. Instead, we’re searching for God’s treasure.
Scripture provides the map. For God, we are treasure: "You are children of the Lord your God. ... It is you the Lord has chosen ... to be his people, his treasured possession" (Deuteronomy 14:1-2). Although those words were spoken long ago to people in another part of the world, Galatians 3:26 assures us that we are included, too: "For in Christ Jesus you are all children of God through faith."
One of the gifts of being God’s children is that sometimes we are called to be "treasure tenders" for God. We tend God’s treasure with the love and care we show each other here at home, and we also tend God’s treasures by giving and participating in mission beyond our congregation.
When we care for people, we can be transformed by experiencing the presence of God. Seeing what others have lost, we are reminded what matters most in life. Seeing what others live through, we are inspired to live courageously. Seeing that new life is possible, our hope rises. Working with others, we realize that God reaches out to all of us. Relying on God for the outcome, our faith increases.
This summer, Pughtown Baptist Church will be participating in the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering. Our Mission Chairwoman, Phyllis Shaner, has provided us with attractive and informative displays and with a variety of stories to inform and inspire our prayers and
our giving. Our goal for this offering is $600.00. By sharing some of our earthly treasure through this offering, aid is sent when disaster strikes. Refugees receive help in the long term as they rebuild their lives. People receive education, health care, tools, seeds, and resources to improve their communities.
Jesus said, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matthew 6:21). May we tend our treasure, and our hearts, by sharing resources and changing lives with our generous gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing.
Rev. Rhonda J. Cushman
Updated June 9, 2009.
