Tithing is an Old Testament notion. While 10% is commonly cited, the multiple tithes some passages require, would have raised the total to over 23%. However, those were different times and the roles of religious organizations and taxes to support what we now think of as public services were not distinct.  

The New Testament does not require or recommend a percentage for tithe. In our modern society, with complex services, many "do-good" non-profits, and ambivalent feelings about organized religion, the obligations for charitable giving often are clouded by confusing messages. Our own greed confounds our thinking as we balance the material needs of self and family against the often impersonal or distant calls to helping others.  

My own perspective has evolved over my adult life. While I always gave to a variety of good causes, including some casual giving to churches, I did not develop a strong perspective on charitable giving until my middle years. I worked for a corporation where all employees were expected to give their "time, talent and treasure" to community service and national good works. Later, I worked in India where I observed first-hand the impact of strong charitable giving. By the time Ann and I were married, it was obvious to us that we are blessed materially and spiritually in ways I had not expected early in my career. With this realization, we made a plan each year for our charitable giving.  

The charities we support have shifted with time. We gave more to colleges, conservation organizations and a mix of local and national charities in the early years - Red Cross, Cancer Society, and so forth. Over time, our giving has shifted strongly toward First Church, reflecting our increased involvement and the many benefits each of us receives from our Christian community.  

We live in a secular society and our plan of giving began with most of our focus on good activities, but ones lodged in the secular world. We are still in that secular world, but our vision of it is enlarged greatly by absorbing the progressive understanding of Christian faith that Pastor Ginny and First Church presents daily in messages and actions.  

I read 2 Corinthians 9:7 in various version of the Bible while doing a bit research for this Stewardship note. The underlying message is that you will reap what you sow - give generously and you will reap generous benefits. My interpretation is: Each of us should give what you decide in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.  

So, be of good cheer, discern for yourself the evolution and importance of First Church in your life, and then make your pledge.

Pledge Cards

When you fill out your pledge card, please fill in number "I/We pledge for 2015 a total of $________" and then the amount per week, month or year that you want. Please check your math as the total and per week or month amounts often do not match. Many thanks!

Bob Lindeyer, Financial Secretary

After a long and busy spring/summer/fall, Pastor Ginny is taking a much needed vacation. She and Doug will be touring Costa Rica from Oct. 31 - Nov. 12.  Nos vemos en dos semanas!

 

Thanksgiving Baskets

Thanksgiving is fast approaching and again this year we will be collecting food for Thanksgiving Baskets that will be distributed by the Granby Department of Social Services.

Shopping lists of 3-4 items will be distributed on two Sundays, November 9th and 16th. All items are to be delivered to Cook Hall by Friday, November 21st. Each "list" amounts to $8 or less to purchase. 

We have committed to filling 10 Thanksgiving Baskets again this year. Each contains 40 items, made up of 8 different lists with 3-4 items on each list. If you would rather make a monetary donation, please put your contribution into the collection plate, marked "Thanksgiving Baskets." Monies collected will be used to supplement missing items. All monies not used for the food baskets will be given to the Granby Department of Social Services. If you have any questions please email Gail Pillow - or phone 860-688-2531.