Congregations that approach financial stewardship from a biblical perspective do not view the money Christians give to their church merely as a way to pay its bills. Rather, such congregations see financial contributions as a way to help people grow spiritually in their relationship with God by supporting their church’s mission and ministry with a percentage of their incomes.

Our congregation’s finance committee has selected the New Consecration Sunday Stewardship Program as a way to teach the biblical and spiritual principles of generous giving in our stewardship education emphasis this year.

New Consecration Sunday is based on the biblical philosophy of the need of the giver to give for his or her own spiritual development, rather than on the need of the church to receive. Instead of treating people like members of a social club who should pay dues, we will treat people like followers of Jesus Christ who want to give unselfishly as an act of discipleship. New Consecration Sunday encourages people toward proportionate and systematic giving in response to the question, “What percentage of my income is God calling me to give?”

During the Month of October, we will be distributing Estimate of Giving information. This year, it will include two categories, General fund contribution and Visitation Pastor Commitment. Our hope is that those individuals who have expressed an interest in hiring a visitation pastor will commit to provide funding to support that mission. The estimated cost is approximately $15,000 for the year. Knowing the will of the congregation through the estimate of giving information will assist the council leadership as they prepare the 2017 budget.

Every attendee and member who completes an Estimate of Giving Card does so voluntarily and is truly appreciated by our leadership team. During the morning of Sunday, October 30th we will celebrate our members’ financial commitments to our church’s missionary, benevolent, and educational ministries in this community and around the world.

We are joining together for a breakfast after service in celebration of our commitment to all the ministries of St. John Lutheran Church. Members will be asked to sign up to bring an egg Bake (recipes provided). Great fellowship is one form of stewardship in our lives.

We encourage your participation in Stewardship Sunday and hope you join together to share a meal with your brothers and sisters of the Church. Thanks in advance for your enthusiastic participation on October 30th.

Ron, Steve, Ted and Tim.