Did You Know?

 

Fifty years ago Americans consumed half as many goods and services per person as they do today. During that same amount of time, the size of homes tripled. Every day we buy more clothes, appliances, cars, books, televisions, and computers simply because we can (and often when we can't).  Some sociologists have named this propensity to continually purchase and consume more "affluenza."

 

• Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21
• Twenty-four percent of people give forty-five percent of all charitable gifts.
• Take heed and beware of all covetousness; for a person's life does not consist of the abundance of possessions. Luke 12:15
• Volunteering is among the strongest prediction of giving financially. Sixty- three percent of volunteers are financial donors, only seventeen percent of non-volunteers.
• Remembering the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.' Acts 20:35
• In many congregations, the annual gift falls within the $200-1600 range, or about $16 to $35 per month or $4 to $30 per week.
• Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each should give according to what they have decided in their heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. II Corinthians 9:6

Is your life marked by the joy of extravagant giving or is your life constrained by the fear of scarcity? The holy habit of extravagant generosity reveals the truth of our hearts. Our giving is a reflection of our relationship with God. Is God our first love or have other lesser gods displaced that love? Those who freely give of the first fruits of their labor know what it is to love God and participate in the building of the kingdom. This month's broadcasts will be focused on the invitation to practice extravagant generosity born out of our relationship with God in Christ, our first love.

 

As Robert Schnase reminds us: Those who practice "extravagant generosity thrive with the joy of abundance rather than starve with the fear of scarcity."

With joy,

 

Announcing Healthy Congregations Facilitator Training - Summer 2014!

 

Information is now available for the summer 2014 offering of Healthy Congregations Facilitator training:

• When: June 17-19, 2014 
• Where: MVP Mission Center.  
• Cost: See the attached flyer for details!

To learn how employees can use pretax dollars to pay the allowable dues share for medical coverage and dues for dental coverage, see the companion Web module, Increasing Employee Take-Home Pay -- Using Section 125 Healthcare Dues-Only Plans at Board University. From the pensions.org home page, click on Members and Employers>Board University>E-Learning. 

Wooster Westminster Presbyterian Church has Presbyterian Hymnals that they no longer need.  They are now using the Glory to God Hymnals and are looking to recycle or redistribute the old hymnals.  They are in good shape if there is another congregation that can use them. 

 

For further information, contact Carly Jones at the church (info below) or via email.

Westminster Presbyterian Church is looking for a new organist or pianist for Sunday morning worship, beginning in June. We would like to have someone who is willing to play each Sunday (10:30 worship), lead a small choir (we are extremely compliant and pleasant!) and do occasional extra services as needed. Our starting pay is $35 per worship service, with evaluation and raise to $50 as per performance. It would be ideal for a college student or a resident of New Concord.

 

Contact Rev. Ellen Thomas at ellenthomas22@gmail.com OR 740-260-6151.