Tithing is a tangible expression of gratitude for God’s past blessings. It is a statement of trust in God’s future care. Tithing testifies to the centrality of faith and relationship with God in one’s life. To tithe is to dedicate the first tenth of one’s income to the work of the Lord. Because Jesus is no longer physically present we give to God by giving to institutions which carry out Christ’s work. Chief among these is the church – which scripture describes as the “body of Christ.” (Ephesians 1:22-23 and elsewhere)
St. Paul understands of the spiritual need of the believer to give and the blessings which generosity conveys to both recipients and givers still rings true:
The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything, you may share abundantly in every good work. As it is written, “He scatters abroad, he gives to the poor; his righteousness endures forever.” He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will supply and multiply your seed for sowing and increase the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us; for the rendering of this ministry not only supplies the needs of the saints but also overflows with many thanksgivings to God. (2 Corinthians 9:6-12)
Our Joint Board trusts in the bounty of God and the miracle of generosity. We have selected The New Consecration Sunday Stewardship Program in order to present the biblical, spiritual perspective on giving and assist those who want to give unselfishly as an act of discipleship and worship. We encourage persons to progress towards intentional, proportional, systematic giving in response to the question: “What percentage of my income is God calling me to give?”
On Consecration Sunday, November 2nd we will ask worshippers to make their financial commitment to support East Hills Moravian Church’s ministries of worship, education, outreach, and mission through its general budget for the year 2015. All attending will have the opportunity to make their commitments as a voluntary, confidential act of worship. Afterwards we will gather in the Family Center to share a celebration brunch.
Sunday November 2: Consecration Sunday
One unity service worship at 9:30 am followed by brunch
Sundays, November 9, 16, 23, & 30:
Two worship services at 8:30 &11:00 am/ Sunday School at 9:45 am
– Pastor Derek French