A Message from the Pastor
Please forgive me; I used the T word in a Lutheran church newsletter. I mention this because this congregation is engaging in your yearly church stewardship drive during November. But I also mention the T word because most people who tithe don’t do it because they have too, but because for them it is a spiritual practice as well as a financial practice.
In the Old Testament it was understood that you gave the first 10 percent to God. You gave the first fruits of your work and value back to the one who made it all possible for you to have any kind of wealth to begin with, God. It was not to be given as a have too (as law), but as a thank offering, for all the gifts that God had already given you.
At the core of every spiritual response is some form of thankfulness or gratitude. Gratitude is not something that is demanded in your prayers, but most often happens spontaneously in response to God’s presence and Grace. Most people, who tithe, do so out of joy and gratitude, and in doing so receive more joy and gratitude in return. By tithing these people are often able to emotionally and spiritually let go of their gift and let God do with it as is needed. To let go and to let God.
Now, here is the deal! I am not asking you to tithe. What I am asking you to do is give your pledge and honor it for the work of the Gospel that this church is all about. In order for this church to survive it has to pay all of the same kind of bills you do in your own home, mortgage, electricity, gas and water, as well as the salaries of your pastor and staff, the church’s outreach programs and local benevolence as well as benevolence to the larger church. In order to pay for any of it, this church is totally dependent on your giving.
My prayer is that with gratitude and thanksgiving you will give to your church all that you are able for the work of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.