STEVE ON STEWARDSHIP
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 us?
There are benefits to using the word Steward – It does make the point that everything that you have in life is because God gave it to you. We do not own anything, whether it is our time, talents or gifts of our services. It all belongs to God, and we are to use it as he instructs us to.
Generosity is another concept – we can only be generous with something that 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, but yet they gave what little they had to someone that had even less.
We must think that when we are wearing our stewardship hat that we are in fact stewards of what is really God’s property. God is being generous to us with the use of what he is giving to us. God wants us to follow his example by learning to be generous and to be a giver, not a taker. I have read somewhere the comment “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.
1 Peter 4:10 tells us “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.”
–Steve Blair
Sanctuary Choir News:
Oh my – is it September already? I know the saying is usually “time flies when you’re having fun.” However, I think a more accurate saying is, “time just flies” – fun or no fun.
Our first full choir rehearsal will be Wednesday, October 1, exact time to be determined. We will sing for worship on October 5 – World Communion Sunday. So start warming up your voices and consider taking that big step into the choir loft. We need more singers!
Thank you to those who have provided special music during July and August:
Jane B
Jeanette L
Barbara B
Kacey N
Paul L
Betty B, and
Susan F
“Serve the Lord with gladness!
Come into His presence with singing!”
Psalm 100:2
–Susan
SPECIAL OFFERING IN OCTOBER:
The Peace and Global Witness 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 are the peacemakers.
We are the Church. Together.
When we all do a little,
it adds up to a lot.
We will begin collecting the offering on October 5, and will let you know which local organization “our” 25% will go to.
THANK YOU
“I write to say thank you for your gift to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance in the first half of the year; this is a powerful testimony to the love and care of our church and donors to communities near and far. You are part of the many repairers of the breach. Your support, along with that of other faithful Presbyterians, brings the tangible resources for recovery and rebuilding to those whose lives have been upended by disaster, displacement, and crisis.
Thanks to the generosity of so many, PDA has helped support children and families displaced by the Syrian earthquake, providing shelter, food, and emotional support. It enabled emergency distribution of food and hygiene kits to flood-affected communities in northern Thailand. It also brought assistance to flood survivors in Missouri and supported congregations in California responding to the devastations of wildfires.
It is a privilege to serve together in a church that takes seriously the mandate of Jesus, ‘whatever you have done to the least of these, you have done for Me.’ (Matt 25:40)”
Rev. Edwin Gonzalez-Castillo, Manager, PDA
HELPING HANDS
In July, the Helping Hands soup kitchen celebrated their One Year Anniversary with testimonies, music, and a cupcake reception. This outreach is open 11 AM to 12:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, located at First Baptist Church. They serve hot meals on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, and sack lunches on Tuesday and Thursday.
Attendance has steadily increased over the last year. The volunteers, headed by Vicki Dick, serve an average of 100 guests per day!
The cost of groceries is approximately $300 per week; donations can be mailed to PO Box 103, Paris. Several businesses, restaurants, and individuals also donate food. Additional volunteers would be welcomed too.
Anyone may attend – for the food, the fellowship, spiritual support, or any other reason.
“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
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 14. A picnic will follow: meat will be provided by the New Providence chefs; members of our churches are asked to bring a side dish or a dessert. People who find it at all difficult to cross the long lawn from the parking lot are invited to park on the lawn, nearer the pavilion, near the swingset.
OCTOBER 5 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.”
News from the August 12 meeting of Session:
Donations were approved to Helping Hands Soup Kitchen and Presbyterian Disaster Relief
The Pastor Nominating Committee finished a full-color report to post on the Presbytery website for prospective pastors that our representative Dan Selock said is “Top Notch.”
Jeanette Levellie, administrative assistant, will now take over the task from Carolyn Hodge, of procuring pulpit supply
Membership Committee reported that 11 non-active members responded to the recent mailing, asking that their names be removed from the list of active members
Property Committee chair Tom Hebermehl asked for and received approval to install a keyless entry on the east side of the building.
The next Session meeting will be Monday, September 8 (instead of Tuesday), beginning at 5 PM.
“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 6 & 7 and 20 & 21. 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!
Congratulations to Susan and Jim Farris, who ovserved their 50th Wedding Anniversary on Sunday, August 31st!
“BLANKETED BY LOVE”
The Compassionate Clothing Closet’s
annual blanket drive will take place during October. Your generos 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.