From the Pastor's Desk

“God Loves a Cheerful Giver”

2 Corinthians 9:7

Our stewardship theme, as we prepare for the annual Fall season of budget preparation and pledging is, “God loves a cheerful giver.”

I will be the first to admit that the words “budget” and “pledging” do not immediately bring a sense of gladness to one’s spirit. That is because too often we have encouraged supporting the church for reasons other than that which involves God directly. Let’s reprioritize.

Paul’s stewardship theme to the Corinthians is as profound as it is simple. We give in response to God's love for us. This is not payback. How could anyone repay God? Everything God has created is God’s to begin with. But what God wants is a giver that gives joyfully. Stewardship then, primarily, is a means to that end. Tithes and offerings are more about worship than analyzing spreadsheets and filling out cards. A Biblical reorientation holds the promise of injecting expectation back into our annual emphasis on giving.

There is no doubt that without the faithful and sacrificial giving of our congregants, the practical impact would be felt here, “on earth as it is in heaven.” But for this year’s campaign, let’s focus our motivation for giving so as to please God. Before we prayerfully discern our level of support for 2026, let’s first attend to the matter of increasing our cheerfulness in doing so. God loves a cheerful giver. And a cheerful giver, grows in his or her love for God.

Pastor Pat