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Stewardship Sunday: Practical Giving
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by George Pica
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Let it Run!
"If this church is going to get anywhere, it has to learn to crawl," the minister declared.
And the people said, "Let it crawl, Rev., let it crawl!"
Then the minister said: "And after it learns to crawl, it has to learn to walk."
And the people said: "Let it walk, Rev., let it walk!"
Then the preacher told his congregation: "After this church learns to walk, it has to learn to run!"
And the people shouted: "Let it run, Rev., let it run!"
Then he said: "And if this church is going to run, it's going to take money!"
And the people said: "Let it crawl, Rev., let it crawl."
-Flip Wilson, 1933-1998
If you're expecting a sermonette on the spiritual rewards associated with giving until it hurts, forget it. You either recognize that there will be a reward in heaven for those who share a sizeable share of whatever wealth they have so the church can continue to share the word of God or you don't. Chances are that if you didn't believe the word of the Lord was worth sharing you wouldn't be reading this. We have in common a belief in God and the hope that being part of the Christ Church will help us become worthy of his - or her - blessings. So faith isn't the issue.
Let's be pragmatic.
Why should we support Christ Church with every penny we can spare?
Because this parish is worth perpetuating. The building where we gather each week is a landmark. Its history is very much intertwined with the history of Puyallup.
There are other parishes nearby to which it would be relatively easy to switch our allegiance. But we choose to remain part of this one.
All of us have our reasons.
For some it is because of the intimacy that is provided by our modest numbers - which also makes it quick and easy to get communion on Sunday mornings.
For others, it is the opportunity to have a say in what activities and causes our parish participates in and supports.
For still others, it's the opportunity to share in the faith of our forefathers and a good place to raise our kids.
Whatever our reasons, we've got to pay for the privilege of being part of this community.
These are tough times.
The dollar doesn't stretch as far as it once did.
We're all feeling the pinch.
That includes Christ Church.
Don't give 'til it hurts, but give what you can if you believe OUR church is worth saving for our children and their children's children.
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This Sunday
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September 21st
The Nineteenth Sunday after Pentecost (Proper 20)
Grant us, Lord, not to be anxious about earthly
things, but to love things heavenly; and even now, while we are placed
among things that are passing away, to hold fast to those that shall
endure; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you
and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.
8am: Holy Eucharist
Our early service is unaccompanied by music and usually lasts about 50 minutes. Coffee and fellowship are offered before the service begins in the parish hall, while the sanctuary is available for quiet prayer. Another coffee hour follows the service.
10am: Sunday School takes place during the first part of our 10am service. The children join the congregation at the peace and share with the whole community in Eucharist.
10am: Holy Eucharist
This Eucharistic service is accompanied by Organ and includes congregational hymns and service music. During the summer months our choir is on sabbatical and various musical offerings will be made during the liturgy. A coffee hour for kids and adults follows the service.
11:30am: Music rehearsals
Following the worship services, our musical groups gather to prepare for the next weeks' offerings.
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Next Week at Christ Church
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September 22nd through 27th
Monday
Cornerstone Office Closed
Tuesday
Bible Study, 7pm, Conference Room
Wednesday
Eucharist, 12:05pm, Sanctuary
Friday
Youth Cafe field trip to Mercer Island for Organ Concert (see below)
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Announcements
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Upcoming Events
Sunday School has resumed. Questions? Please contact Alyse Russell at 840-1387 or Shannon Mitchell at 445-4436.
The Tuesday Evening Bible Study continues this week and next. We're reading the book of Acts. Bring a bible and join us!
On Friday the 26th, at 7:00pm, Jieun Kim Newland will perform on the organ at Mercer Island Presbyterian Church. The concert is free and open to all. The Youth Cafe is making a field trip for this event; contact Gary or Charlie for additional details.
On September 20, 2008 we launch our stewardship campaign, Practical,
Spiritual and Visionary Giving.
We will have an All Parish Dinner,
Saturday September 20th at 6:30 PM in the Parish Hall. We hope to
see you on Saturday, September 20, 2008 for a wonderful meal and
fellowship!
Sign up for the Women's Retreat, which takes place on October 17th through 19th at St. Andrew's House. A sheet for sign ups along with more information is on the Welcome table in the Parish Hall. Please contact Vickey Clayton at 453-7663 with questions.
General Announcements
September is 'canned fruits and veggies' month for the Food Bank Thank you for sharing your blessings with those less fortunate!
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Food Bank News
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Pierce County Hunger Walk
The 28th annual Associated Ministries 5k and 10k Hunger Walk will take place in North Tacoma on Sunday afternoon October 5th. Proceeds from the event support the Emergency Food Network's hunger relief efforts in Pierce County. According to the EFN, more than 143,000 residents visit food banks and hot meal sites each month, a significant increase from last year. 53% of the Pierce County residents visiting food banks are children and seniors and 43% are families with at least one adult working. Last year, the EFN distributed over 8.6 million pounds of food, including 160,000 pounds of organic fruits and vegetables grown at its Mother Earth Farm.
The Puyallup Fish Food Bank, a long time Christ Church outreach ministry, is a direct recipient of funds raised by the Hunger Walk. We will not have an official Christ Church Hunger Walk team this year but Robin Partington has registered as an individual. If you would like to make a donation, please contact Robin or anyone else you know who will be participating in the event.
Food Bank Open House
The Puyallup Valley Food Bank and Distribution Center (Fish Food Bank) is having an open house for their new location on Stewart Avenue tomorrow - Saturday September 20th from 2:00 to 5:00 p.m. Refreshments and entertainment will be provided. Since moving into the spacious 9,500 square foot facility several months ago, the food bank has become a distribution center for other food banks in the area. If you've ever wondered what happens after your generous donations leave the Parish Hall barrel, this is your opportunity to check it out!
The food bank shares the building with a sports complex at 239A West Stewart Avenue (a few blocks from the church, across from the transit station). Call the food bank at 848-5240 with any questions.
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Questions? Comments? More Information?
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