This Sunday, October 19th, we are privileged to have The Reverend Dr. Eric Laverentz preaching at our 9:55 AM worship service. Rev. Dr. Eric Laverentz is the Senior Pastor at the Presbyterian Church of Stanley in Overland Park, Kansas - a congregation whose vision is "Know Christ, Grow in Christ, Show Christ to the World."  Stanley Presbyterian has made a successful transition from a "program" church to a disciple-making, missionally-driven community.   Their shepherd elder leadership model has served as an inspiration for churches across the nation.  Eric has been preaching since he was 13 years old and is the husband to Jen and father to three boys; Calvin, Hank and Otto.  They are currently trying to adopt a daughter from Ethiopia.  He is the author of the 2012 Father's Press publication, Is Caesar Our Savior. He is a graduate of Princeton Theological Seminary, Vanderbilt University and received his Doctorate of Ministry from Pittsburgh Theological Seminary. We welcome Dr. Laverentz to Bethpage Presbyterian Church!

           Congregations that approach financial stewardship from a biblical perspective do not view the money Christians give to their church merely as a way to pay its bills. Rather, such congregations see financial contributions as a way to help people grow spiritually in their relationship with God by supporting their church's mission and ministry with a percentage of their incomes. Our congregation's finance committee has selected the New Consecration Sunday Stewardship Program as a way to teach the biblical and spiritual principles of generous giving in our stewardship education emphasis this year.

          New Consecration Sunday is based on the biblical philosophy of the need of the giver to give for his or her own spiritual development, rather than on the need of the church to receive. Instead of treating people like members of a social club who should pay dues, we will treat people like followers of Jesus Christ who want to give unselfishly as an act of discipleship. New Consecration Sunday encourages people toward proportionate and systematic giving in response to the question, "What percentage of my income is God calling me to give?"

          During morning worship on Consecration Sunday, we are asking our attendees and members to make their financial commitments to our church's missionary, benevolent, and educational ministries in this community and around the world. Every attendee and member who completes an Estimate of Giving Card does so voluntarily by attending morning worship on Consecration Sunday. We urge people to attend who feel strongly opposed to completing a card. The procedure is done in such a way that no one feels personal embarrassment if he or she chooses not to fill out a card.

          We will do no home solicitation to ask people to complete cards. During morning worship our guest leader will conduct a brief period of instruction and inspiration, climaxed by members making their commitments as a confidential act of worship. We will encourage participation in Consecration Sunday events through the Consecration Sunday team and governing board members. Since we will make no follow-up visits to ask people to complete their cards, we will make every effort to inform, inspire, and commit everyone to attend Consecration Sunday worship.

          Thanks in advance for your enthusiastic participation in Consecration Sunday events.