Not Your Parent's Offering Plate!

It's been said that stewardship and discipleship are opposite sides of the same coin.  That said, you cannot put old wine into new wine skins. As we engage across the generations and live into a global economy, the specifics of how we live out our stewardship must evolve, even as the core principles of our faith remain the same. Below is a reflection from Andy Gerhart, chair of Administration. May you be both blessed and challenged!

From Andy:

The Session of Veto Presbyterian Church has started a study of J. Clif Christopher's book Not Your Parent's Offering Plate. It has cast a renewed understanding over how we think and do stewardship.

In his first chapter we confronted the fact that we are no longer the 'only game in town'. Just as sports and activities vie with us for Sunday morning, so too other groups vie for donations every week and month. The call of God for the church competes with the siren voice of other venues.

Then, in chapter 2 he reminded us why people give. These made us think about our congregation. Here are the reasons:

1. A belief in the mission. For us that is changing human beings for the sake of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As Clif summarizes it: saving a person's soul, making disciples for Jesus Christ and building the kingdom of God. (p.27)
2. A regard for those who lead the congregation, especially for the pastor
3. The fiscal stability of the institution.  People do not give to a sinking ship but a floating liner.

Try those on for size in your setting. How do they fit?

Together in Christ,

Andy Gerhart

Chair, Administration 

Holy Habit: Pondering Our Giving

Take some time this next week to ponder the reasons that you give. How do they relate to the reasons identified in Cliff Christopher's book:

1.      A belief in the mission.

2.      A regard for those who lead the congregation.

3.      The fiscal stability of the institution. 

Share you insights with a brother or sister in Christ.

All are invited to attend. Find out more about the choir by clicking on this link.

Alex Barnes, Pastor 

Milton Rittman Presbyterian Church

250 N. Street

Rittman, Ohio 44270

http://miltonpreschurch.org/  

 

• choir robes (both youth and adult)
• paraments (including a storage case)
• Celebration hymnals
• and many other assorted items

Please contact Jen Baer at 330-601-0098 or jenniferannbaer@gmail.com to arrange to see the items and pick up any you are interested in.    

From First Presbyterian in Marietta: 

Our congregation purchased the building and contents of the Seventh Day Adventist Church in Marietta.  We are trying to find a good home for the pews and organ in that building.  We would be glad to accept a monetary gift (we have been selling smaller pews to individuals for $100), but our bigger concern is to find a church or other space where these could be put to good use.

Anyone who might be interested is asked to send an email to pastor.fpcmarietta@yahoo.com.  We can arrange a time for an up-close look.  

Grace and Peace,

David Smith
First Pres of Marietta. 

Grant applications are due to the Mission Center no later than Monday, October 20, 2014, by fax (330-339-6225), email (Candice@MVPJourney.org) or in person. Awards to be given at the December 2014 presbytery meeting.