About this time last year we were finishing the new kitchen in the hall and waiting for the new website to be installed – and what a lot of usage we have had from them both since! Lots of social events using the kitchen, and lots of news and views on the website – remember you can hire the hall for private functions (ring Margaret Shelton for dates and/or find out hire charges on the website here) – and check out the website for services and events, missed sermons, and so much more! This summer six of our youngsters went off to Rukungiri, Uganda and of the £9,500 needed for the trip, they managed to collect an amazing £6,500 through some most enjoyable fund raising events. Well done to them! You can read of their adventures in Issue 15 of Ignite magazine.
You’ll be pleased to hear that statutory checks on the lighting and electrics, including PAT testing, have been carried out – the lighting conductor check will happen some time later. And all charity payments, bar one, have been sent off; the last one will go in time for Christmas.
Recently we have been reading 2 Corinthians (chapters 8 and 9), with focus especially on talk of giving and of being generous. Chapter 8, verse 2: ‘Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.’ Verse 3: ‘For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability.’ Verse 7: ‘But just as you excel in everything – in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in your love for us – see that you also excel in this grace of giving.’ Chapter 9, verse 6: ‘Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously.’ Verse 7: ‘Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.’
So some questions for you from Justin Welby Dethroning Mammon:
- Looking at your life, what gives you most joy and happiness?
- Where else in the Bible or in your life has God responded to a need or a request with over generosity?
- What might God be calling you to value more?
- What might God be calling you to value less?
- What is your most valuable possession?
- Are there any circumstances under which you could imagine giving it away?
When you have pondered these questions and arrived at your answers, and perhaps you feel that you would like to discuss your giving to the church, please feel free to come and have a chat to me. God bless you in your giving.
Pat Smart, Treasurer
