Fresh Beginnings: Introducing “Seeds of Generosity”
Hello, everyone!
I’ve got some news. As we welcome the vibrant days of April, Yes, I’m choosing to call the Mother-Nature Mayhem we’ve been experiencing, “Vibrant”. I’m looking forward to sharing something special we’ve been preparing. Starting April 21, 2024, we’re rolling out a three-week sermon series that promises to sprinkle a bit of new life into our spiritual journey. Get ready for “Seeds of Generosity”!
I know, I know. The moment we start talking about finances in church, eyebrows go up. But what if I told you this journey is more about enriching our journey with Jesus than depleting our wallets? We’re about to dive deep into what generosity truly means—beyond the numbers and into the essence of giving with a joyful heart.
Fun Fact: There are more than 2300 verses on money, wealth, and possessions in the New Testament. In other words, Jesus spoke about money in roughly 15% of his preaching (and that’s a conservative estimate) and 11 out of 39 parables. That means that I am way behind in my preaching ministry when it comes to this topic!
We are going to be developing a culture of mature, biblical stewardship as opposed to the usual obligation/guilt nonsense that permeates most mainline denominations when the topic of giving comes up.
Week 1: “The Power of Offering: Unlocking Heaven’s Storehouse”
We’ll kick things off by exploring how our offerings do more than just keep the lights on. They’re a key to unlocking blessings, both seen and unseen, cultivating an abundance rather than a poverty/scarcity mindset. Think of it not as parting with your resources but as investing in a treasure that goes on forever.
Week 2: “Stewardship as a Way of Life: Planning to Give”
In our second week, we’ll shift the lens to view stewardship as an integral part of our daily lives—not a box to check, but a lifestyle to embrace. It’s about making intentional choices that align with our values and faith, leading to spiritual practices connecting to our going that’s as organized and fruitful as any well-tended life.
Week 3: “A Commitment to Start Strong: First Fruits of Faith”
As we wrap up our series, the focus will be on laying a strong foundation for our journey ahead. Offering our ‘first fruits’ isn’t just an act of faith; it’s a declaration of our trust in God’s provision. It’s about starting strong, with the best of what we have, and watching how our faith can move mountains.
This series is an invitation to view generosity through a new lens, where the act of giving becomes as joyful and natural as breathing. We’re stepping away from the narrow-minded, worn paths of obligation and scarcity/famine thinking and venturing instead into the realm of heartfelt giving that enriches both the giver and the receiver. All of this inspiration comes straight from the scriptures. Hold me to that.
So, whether you’re diving in with enthusiasm or approaching with cautious curiosity, I warmly invite you to join us. Let’s navigate the “Seeds of Generosity” together, discovering the profound impact our generosity can have on our world and beyond.
Here’s to embarking on this journey together, eager to uncover the joy and blessings that await. See you all there, ready to sow, grow, and flourish in ways we’ve only begun to imagine.
See you in Church!
Mark
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