"They offered gifts" -- Matthew 2

This is the eve of Epiphany light, Epiphany adventure, Epiphany generosity. The star beckons. The travelers arrive at the manger. Gifts, gold, frankincense and myrrh, are offered to Jesus.

We approach record- breaking generosity this week. We have raised more in 2010 than in any year in the history of our conference. 2010 remittances for Conference Mission Shares (apportionments) are due by Friday at 4 p.m.

In recent years, we have fallen in apportionment percentages. We are in striking distance of being back above 80 percent. We need $380,000 by Friday, a large amount but an achievable amount if we all do all we can.

Our hope is 100 percent participation -- no 0 percent churches. Our hope is joyful participation. Our hope is victorious participation.

May you be blessed as you do all the good you can all the ways you can as we kneel again before the Holy Child.

This is the time of risk-taking mission and extravagant generosity.

Arise! Shine! Grow! Go! Give!

With gratitude for your partnership in Christ's ministry,
Hope Morgan Ward