Rejoicing in Gratitude!
Perhaps you noticed the energy last Sunday? Members walking and chatting online, proclaiming: “ALL IN!”. The cards in bright yellow and the momentum of placing the cards in the trays. A few folks even threw the card in like they were kicking a ball 🏈 ⚽️ 🏀 down the field.
Such joy and exuberance!
This Sunday our children will join the effort with their own special “All In” card. If you haven’t turned in your ENTRUSTED commitment card, please do. AND grab a yellow “All In" card of your own to fill out. Both are available at the guest center. Or, you can drop "I'm All In!" in the chat during the worship service.
Contagious!
I don’t know about you, but just reading that word makes my body stiffen, my breath shorten, and my heart skip a beat. So much of our lives have been consumed with the contagious nature of Covid-19. We have been so deeply aware of who and what we are around, and have experienced a shared fear of what we could “catch.” The idea of reframing, or even reclaiming the concept of “contagious” feels like an impossible feat.
And, yet, my beloved Northway – by your actions you have helped me, as your pastor, reclaim this idea of contagious. You have spread your generosity and it is catching!
You proclaimed that you were “All in!” from the movements in the sanctuaries to the chats online. The contagious energy was felt as there were even a couple that threw in their bright yellow pledge card like sending a ball to the end zone! I’m delighted that we will continue this contagious generosity with our children participating this upcoming Sunday.
I’m reminded of Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians in which he praises the people of the early church. He expresses to the community saying, “We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” (1:3). The letter continues to describe the ways the community is living out, and spreading the Word of God. They were a contagious church, just like you!
Northway, you are so generous! You have determined to use all that God has given you to further the Gospel, to share Christ with those seeking meaning and purpose. You give away 10% of all the offerings that come into the church. You are continually asking “What more can we do? Where else can we serve? With whom else might we partner in this work of God’s kingdom for which we pray?”
You have not taken your talents and hidden them out of scarcity and fear that is ever present in our world. You have reclaimed God’s generosity for the growth of the Kingdom here on Earth! You have generously given from all that God has entrusted to you. May we continue in this faithful way as we prayerfully bring our commitments forth as we celebrate Stewardship this Sunday!
Your generosity is contagious. This Sunday we celebrate the spreading of energy and hope in the season of Thanksgiving.
See you Sunday at worship and the Stewardship Celebration Potluck Luncheon following worship.
Pastor Virzola Law
Senior Minister
