Leader: Jeffrey Williamson
Friends,
Dear Fellow Members of Crittenden Presbyterian Church,
From time to time Pastor Pierre has spoken to us on the subject of tithing. Some congregations set the expectation of giving at the traditional tithing mark (ten percent of an individual's income); while other congregations rarely, if ever, deal with this predominantly Old Testament concept. In reality, most congregations give approximately at the 2 ½ percent of a members annual income.
As Christians, we are called to give to God… "what is right, not what is left!" God calls us to offer up our "first fruits," not our "leftovers." “First fruits giving” requires the concept that our possessions and assets ultimately belong to God and that all we have in life is a gift from God! Faith-filled, “first fruits giving” is our opportunity to return to God a small portion of God's abundant blessing in our lives. Furthermore, these blessings are not limited to financial assets or possessions. Most of us can examine our own lives and find numerous blessings, perhaps even some real astounding miracles as well!
A few of our members are actually at the giving mark of tithing; however most are at a much lower level. As Stewardship Chair, I am certainly not asking or demanding that you to give at a ten percent level, I am however, inviting you to consider becoming a more proportionate giver; one who will exam his/her current giving level and make an honest effort to move closer to the tithe.
In evaluating the expenses and operating cost of Crittenden Presbyterian Church, I offer this true statement: If our average membership pledge were to pledge just 5% of their income, we would meet and exceed every operating expense of the Church! (Please re-read this sentence!)
Imagine…enough money for mission!…Imagine…paying all of our bills!...Imagine… proclaiming God’s word in the community!... Praise God!
Now I know 5% is an awful scary commitment to make! But you need to take that leap of faith and believe! Our Lord and Savior certainly made a commitment for you! He left us here as his disciples and to be the stewards of His Church. He expects each of us to be loving, helping Christians doing His work in this world.
This week’s pamphlet contains a little chart to help you compute how much to tithe. We will be celebrating the end of our Stewardship Campaign on Sunday, November 9, 2008 with a coffee hour following worship. Please join us on November 9th. Be sure to bring your new pledge card that day. I leave you with this parting message: God provided the tithe as a benchmark, to help us put God first in our lives … to help us put all else in proper perspective."
Yours in Christian Service
Jeff
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