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I want to say thank you to each of you who made an extra financial contribution last week on “Finish the Work” Sunday. May you know the joy that comes from giving cheerfully and sacrificially. We took a big step toward getting our income caught up with our expenses. While we will not know the full impact of your “Finish the Work” efforts until the end of the month, over $11,000 was given last Sunday. By giving in such a fashion, you demonstrated your love for, and your commitment to your church.
In last Sunday’s sermon, I spoke of being “thankful in anything.” You may be wondering what role thankfulness has to play in current financial situations. While I may not be thankful for it, I am thankful in it.
First, I am thankful because it is a situation where there is room for God to be active. When we have done all we know to do and there is still more to do, then we cannot help but see God at work. Yes, I would just as soon not be in this situation, but seeing how God will be active in it is a reason for thankfulness.
Second, as you demonstrated last week, we are not in it alone. Facing a challenge is not nearly so difficult when we face it together. For not being alone, we can be thankful.
Third, there are a good number of people who are committed to the work that the Lord is doing in this place. That commitment is something for which to be thankful.
Fourth, we have some smart people who serve our church as members of the Finance Committee. They are a reason to be thankful. The list could go on, but I think you can see that even in a challenging situation, it is possible to express gratitude.
Now, as we finish the work that is before us, we will start planning our work for next year — 2009. The Finance Committee will host a town hall meeting next Sunday night to discuss our priorities. We will be talking not so much about money, but about the mission and ministry of our church. How are we “Sharing Christ’s Love” with our community and our world? What are we doing that best expresses our values? Please plan to be present for this important discussion.
Finally, I know that some of you are facing challenges in your lives that make the church’s finances look about as difficult as eating ice cream and cake at a birthday party. The burdens you have weigh on you and cause your hearts to ache. I pray that in your time of trouble, you know that you are not alone. I pray that you know that you are loved. I pray that you feel God’s presence with you.
Be thankful in anything, prayerful in everything, anxious in nothing, with the peace that surpasses all understanding in your heart and soul.
Joy and peace,
Ed
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