Unstoppable – I’m ALL IN!
/Greetings in the Name of Christ,
The annual stewardship campaign slogan this year is "Unstoppable – I’m ALL IN!". In this campaign, we are emphasizing not only financial estimates of giving for 2025 but also our service to the church. During the Summer Listening Tour, I heard again and again the passion among our faithful tribe to be in service to the church. BUT… people were unsure HOW to get involved. So, this campaign will not only be asking everyone to make a financial estimate for 2025 but also to note what their service passion is for Stonebridge. Our goal is to have 100% of our active members serving in ministry to Christ and His Church. Let’s make Stonebridge UMC Unstoppable for Christ.
In working toward our goal of 100% of active members serving in ministry, the week of November 5th each household will receive a listing of all the ways to serve at Stonebridge UMC. Please review and fill out the form to make sure your passion for ministry is put to work.
Each household will also receive information about the financial needs of Stonebridge UMC. The Finance Committee and Leadership Board have set budgetary goals for 2025. The 2025 budget builds the foundation for greater outreach to our community and the opportunity to reach individuals and families for Christ.
We will be challenged to prayerfully consider our commitment to Christ and His church through service and giving.
This week, let me address our financial giving. I often get the question, “What does the Bible say about the subject of money?” The Bible speaks more about money and giving than any other subject. God does not take this lightly and neither should we.
As such, The Bible gives us specific guidelines on giving. Undoubtedly, the origin of the tithe (giving ten percent of one’s income) was an outward testimony that all possessions belonged, ultimately, to God. The Biblical tithe is always figured on first fruits, before taxes or any other expenses. Major Old Testament texts describe the Lord’s commands regarding tithing: Leviticus 27: 30-33; Numbers 18:21-32; Deuteronomy 12:1-18, 14:22-29, 18:1-4, 26:12-15.
The most prominent text regarding tithing is Malachi 3:8-10. Malachi deals with the reluctance of giving the tithe, comparing it to stealing from God. This passage warns of the severe consequences that undermine our relationship with God and a genuine caring relationship with others. It also includes a gracious promise to those who fulfill the tithe, offering a blessing to “open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing.”
In the gospels, Jesus calls for an even greater offering. Jesus bases the true offering on sacrifice instead of the legalism of the tithe. For example, in Matthew 19:16-22, Jesus says, “Go sell what you possess and give it to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow me.” Paul’s exhortation to give with a cheerful heart (2 Corinthians 9:7) emphasizes not only the importance of the tithe but the importance of rejoicing in generosity.
No matter what we think or believe about giving, we cannot ignore the emphasis the Bible puts on generous sharing. “The point is this: he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (2 Corinthians 9:6)
Working together as God’s people, I am confident that we will continue to be both “Unstoppable!” AND “ALL IN!” in the coming months. Go Stonebridge UMC!
See you Sunday!
Pastor John Allen