STEVE ON STEWARDSHIP and generosity
What is the concept of generosity vs. the concept of stewardship? When we hear these two words, what is implied in each? Which is the best representation of what we individually are to do with the gifts God has given to us?
There are benefits to using the word Steward – It does make the point that everything you have in life is because God gave it to you and you are to manage it for God. We do not own anything, whether it is our time, talents or our gifts of service. It all belongs to God, and we are to use it as He instructs us to and to be good stewards for what God has allowed us.
Generosity is another concept – we can only be generous with something we own. While in the past we may have equated stewardship with money, generosity really applies to gifts. Gifts of our money, time, and talents.
Generosity is really a matter of faith. Proverbs 11:25 tells us “A generous man will prosper and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” How often do we read stories about an individual who had nothing, yet they gave what little they had to someone who had even less. That’s generosity.
We must think when we’re wearing our stewardship hat, we are in fact stewards of what is really God’s property. God is being generous to us with the use of what He’s given us. God wants us to follow His example by learning to be generous and to be a giver, not a taker. I’ve read the comment somewhere, “I don’t give to get a blessing. I give to be a blessing.” That should be our attitude towards stewardship.
The Bible is full of promises about generosity. If you trust God and give generously, He will bless your treasure, your health, your family, your time, your past, present and future.
Please be generous with your gifts of time, talent, and treasure.
–Steve Blair
Sanctuary Choir News:
The usual them e for this time of year is to get fired up for fall activities. The hot temperatures we are “enjoying” should fire us up with no trouble at all!
Our first choir rehearsal will be Wednesday, September 30 at 4 p.m. At that time we will discuss any possible changes to our schedule. We will sing for worship on World Communion Sunday, October 4.
Special thanks to Jeanette Levellie who has sung for us on three Sundays (and preached as well)! She has been ably assisted by her “back-up” harmonizers – Jane Blair and Susan Farris. We also enjoyed soloists Mabel Benson, Kacey Newhart on flute, and Susan Farris on piano. Thanks to the choir who came out of “vacation mode” to sing on August 9. We will hear soloist Barbara Bergdolt on September 6.
Coming to worship each Sunday is an excellent habit, one which we wholeheartedly endorse. But more than the habit, we hope the music – and the message – in each service refresh you and “fire you up” for the week ahead.
–Susan
Our annual outdoor (weather permitting) worship service with the New Providence congregation, at New Providence, will take place at 10:00 A.M. on September 13. A carry-in meal will follow in the fellowship hall. Meat and table service will be provided. Members of both churches are asked to bring a side dish or a dessert. People who find it difficult to cross the long lawn from the parking lot are invited to park on the lawn, nearer the pavilion, near the swing set.
OCTOBER 4 WORSHIP:
We will join Christians in churches of many denominations all around the world in the celebration of “World Communion Sunday,” in which “the faithful of all races and nations gather to celebrate the Lord’s Supper. In this holy place, the many are made one, united with Christ and with the church in every place.”
SPECIAL OFFERING IN OCTOBER:
World Communion Offering:
25% of this Offering stays with individual congregations to support local peacemaking and reconciliation efforts and ministries.
25% of the Offering will go to mid councils to join congregations in support of peacemaking throughout presbyteries and synods.
50% of this Offering supports the work for peace and reconciliation being done by Presbyterians across the globe.
We will begin collecting the offering on October 4, and will let you know which local organization “our” 25% will go to.
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS:
3 Todd Bergdolt
4 Lisa McCollough
11 Peter Spung
21 Garrett Jones
Janet Galbreath
SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES:
9 David & Becky Hoff ©©
14 Alicia (Howrey) & Alan Planincic ©©
OCTOBER BIRTHDAYS:
2 Marisa Hoff
5 Jim Farris
6 Terry Bergdolt
7 Laurie Williams
9 Kailee Gough
17 Sally Acklin
24 Jerry Benson
Carolyn Brown Hodge
OCTOBER ANNIVERSARIES:
10 Marty & Deb Jipp ©©
26 Chris & Sheryl Clark ©©
31 Fred & Lanee Pfeiffer ©©
SEPT. 13- 19: FAITH IN ACTION WEEK
Faith in Action of Edgar County is a program to provide non-medical, volunteer care for people who struggle with long-term health needs and physical limitations. The ministry of FIA is growing and we need more volunteers, particularly in the area of transportation. God is blessing us with many who need a helping hand and we know He will bless us with people who will help meet our need. Please call 217-466-6388 if you’d like to volunteer.
Please pray for FIA during the week.
Save the date! Faith in Action’s annual drive-through spaghetti dinner will be held on Friday, October 23 from 4 to 6 p.m. at Lakeridge Christian Church.
Help Clothe Your Neighbors
October will be “Presbyterian month” to provide volunteers for the Compassionate Clothing Closet, on Mondays and Tuesdays, October 5 & 6 and 19 & 20. New Providence will take the other two weeks. A sign-up sheet is on the table at the back of the sanctuary. Thank you for serving Jesus in this way!
“BLANKETED BY LOVE”
The Compassionate Clothing Closet’s
annual blanket drive will take place during October. Your generous gift of a new or gently used blanket will serve to provide a means to offset winter’s chill.
Blankets can be brought here to the church or taken directly to the CCC, 211 N. Central St., on Mondays from
10 to 1 or Tuesdays from Noon to 2.
NEW GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
A griefshare support group is a safe, welcoming place where people understand the difficult emotions of grief.
At this 13-week group, you’ll receive valuable guidance and tips leading you to relief, comfort, and peace of mind.
Light meal served at 6 p.m.
Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m.
September 10- December 10.
Otterbein Church of Paris
406 Washington St.
217-463-2515
If you would like to help the flood victims in Nepal and Tibet, you may give by phone at 800-872-3283 or online at DR000197 Disaster Relief–South Asia | Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) To send a check, please designate where you want your gift to go on the memo line and put in the offering plate or mail to:
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
- O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700
Who’s Preaching Next?
Sept. 13: Joint service with New Providence
(Please note the joint service is at 10:00 a.m.)
Sept. 20: Jeanette Levellie
Sept. 27: Bill Minnis
Oct. 4: Jeanette Levellie
Oct. 11: Rev. Joel-Jackle Hugh
Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s ice cream social. With your support the Deacons raised more than $400 to help people in need.
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” Jesus, Matthew 25: 40
“We are a welcoming congregation of dedicated believers who glorify and serve God through meaningful worship, caring for the needs of our congregation, reaching out as good stewards to others in need both locally and worldwide, and promoting Christian Education and spiritual development for all ages. We seek God’s purpose and guidance in our lives through the Holy Spirit and in service to Christ Jesus.”
Help Clothe Your Neighbors
October will be “Presbyterian month” to provide volunteers for the Compassionate Clothing Closet, on Mondays and Tuesdays, October 5 & 6 and 19 & 20. New Providence will take the other two weeks. A sign-up sheet is on the table at the back of the sanctuary. Thank you for serving Jesus in this way!
“BLANKETED BY LOVE”
The Compassionate Clothing Closet’s
annual blanket drive will take place during October. Your generous gift of a new or gently used blanket will serve to provide a means to offset winter’s chill.
Blankets can be brought here to the church or taken directly to the CCC, 211 N. Central St., on Mondays from
10 to 1 or Tuesdays from Noon to 2.
NEW GRIEF SUPPORT GROUP
A griefshare support group is a safe, welcoming place where people understand the difficult emotions of grief.
At this 13-week group, you’ll receive valuable guidance and tips leading you to relief, comfort, and peace of mind.
Light meal served at 6 p.m.
Thursdays, 6:30-8 p.m.
September 10- December 10.
Otterbein Church of Paris
406 Washington St.
217-463-2515
If you would like to help the flood victims in Nepal and Tibet, you may give by phone at 800-872-3283 or online at DR000197 Disaster Relief–South Asia | Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) To send a check, please designate where you want your gift to go on the memo line and put in the offering plate or mail to:
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
- O. Box 643700
Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700
Who’s Preaching Next?
Sept. 13: Joint service with New Providence
(Please note the joint service is at 10:00 a.m.)
Sept. 20: Jeanette Levellie
Sept. 27: Bill Minnis
Oct. 4: Jeanette Levellie
Oct. 11: Rev. Joel-Jackle Hugh
Thank you to everyone who attended this year’s ice cream social. With your support the Deacons raised more than $400 to help people
in need.