Pastor's Message for Feb 1st
Growing as Disciples by Giving
Last month I asked you to consider making a New Year’s resolution to challenge yourself by taking S.T.E.P.S. to grow as a disciple. To
S
erve, to
T
ithe, to
E
ngage, to
P
ray and to
S
hare. That is what the acronym S.T.E.P.S. stands for and when we follow these steps, personal and Parish growth follows.
Back in October when we announced our Volunteer/Get Engaged program for this year I talked about the importance of being ready and willing “to
S
erve” and how it helped us to be more like Christ. I pointed out that “He did not come to be served but to serve.” (Matt 20:28). Since then 25 Parishioners have committed to become more active disciples by volunteering to get engaged in a new ministry. I want to thank you for the giving of your time and talent.
This month I would like to talk about the second step we take as disciples. That is “to
T
ithe” or, to put in a more modern way, to give of our financial resources to support the Parish. This is a step on the path toward spiritual development because we need to remember that everything that we have, including our financial resources, comes from God and that God also wants our hearts. But Jesus constantly taught that our money and possessions often hold our hearts instead. As disciples of Jesus we need to move from trusting in our money to trusting in our God. “For the measure you give will be the measure you get back" (Luke 6:38).
Considering what Christ has done for us on the cross and the amazing grace we receive, our giving should reflect what our heart treasures. "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also" (Matt. 6:21). Our giving should be viewed as a part of our worship to the Lord. If we are just giving to mark off a line on our spiritual checklist, we are merely involved in charity and we are missing out on the great joy of being a cheerful giver. Our giving should be a natural response to God's gracious gift to mankind. The gift of his only son, Jesus, and his great sacrifice on the cross.
This month we will provide our annual financial update and I will ask you to prayerfully consider the following approaches to giving:
·
Be a Planned giver (designating money in your budget to give)
·
Be a Priority giver (giving to God first before other expenses)
·
Be a Percentage giver (giving a percentage, not a dollar amount)
·
Be a Progressive giver (increasing the percentage regularly)
In addition, we will be introducing a new and more convenient way to give called Tithe.ly. it will make it possible for you to give to the Parish directly from your smart phone or computer. No need for cash or for envelopes. Check out this
one-minute introductory video
and stay tuned for more information.
Remember that when we give in our place of worship as an act of worship we honor God and grow as a disciple.
God bless you folks, Father Gerard
