If you look closely at the photo above you will see a mirage of Chicago taken from a vantage point in Michigan City. It is interesting due to the fact that you'll see the buildings rising from the ground and hanging from the heavens. Isn't that the way that life is for us as Christians? One day we are clinging to our earthly possessions and the next day we are clinging to our heavenly home.   God has provided many instructions regarding possessions. First, everything we have is from God. Second, we are to provide 10% of the first fruits of our labors, the tithe. Third, the tithe is only the beginning of giving as the Lord instructs us to give more by relating our giving to our blessings... as he said, paraphrasing, "to those who have received much, much is expected".

This week the bulletin has a report that identifies average weekly giving by household in units of dollar value. The first tier is from $.01 to $2.49 in average weekly giving, the second $2.50 to $4.99 in average weekly giving and so on as identified. The objective of this report is to educate all church members as to what it would take to move them into the next tier of giving. For example, to move from the first tier to the second tier would only take an additional donation of roughly two dollars ($2.50) weekly, or roughly the cost of one breakfast sandwich at you favorite restaurant. Please review this report closely and prayerfully consider what your next "tier" of giving should be given the blessings that God provides to you.

Last week we exceeded our weekly giving requirements due to 1)families who have restarted giving to 1^st UMC, 2)families who have made advanced gifts of their pledge to God's work here at 1^st UMC and 3) families who have already increased their giving. Thanks to each of you for your continued commitment to 1^st UMC. Have a blessed week.

John VW