ON BUDGETS AND BLESSINGS!
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work. 2 Cor.9:6-8
You’ll probably notice from the Church Council minutes included in this newsletter that for the first time we had a negative balance through the end of July. In other words, we borrowed from ourselves (Sunday school fund) to cover the general fund expenses. I mention this as it is very important for you to know. What does this mean? Is this part of our regular summer pattern, or something else? Here are a few thoughts…
Sometimes summers are down. That may be what this is; may not. The economy is certainly not in great shape. That may be what this is; may not. We’ve come off some big fund-raising cycles trying to raise money for some other important things in the congregation. That may be what this is; may not.
To the degree that God has gifted you with the ability and the heart to support His work at Messiah, I thank you and invite you to consider prayerfully renewing your support for our congregation. If that doesn’t mean an increased giving amount, I pray it will mean you pray for our church’s ministry each day – and I’m not talking about dollars here but pray the Holy Spirit brings fellow sinners to our Savior, for our hurting members and our ministry to the community. God has us here for a purpose – to share the Gospel – and He blesses that in His wisdom as we seek faithfully to do His will and work.
There are some great things that our congregation does together, and also some challenges ahead of us. The Preschool/Latchkey is full (and then some)! Wow! God has blessed us with Janet and her co-workers (and our Preschool Board). There are many children who will hear the Gospel each day because Messiah saw this as a potential mission field. When in the beginning some worried this mission could drain us financially, instead we have found that it invigorates us with an identity in our community and a purpose as we relate to these children, some of whom are not from church backgrounds, all of whom are blessed by Messiah embracing this mission. God has used it to strengthen us.
Rally Day is upcoming Sept. 12 and a new Sunday school year. Praise God for our faithful Sunday school teachers and for the parents who support this congregational ministry by bringing their little ones! Midweek and confirmation classes will soon begin, as we pass on the Biblical heritage of “Justification by faith.” We support 5 children this fall through scholarships to CORLHS and Trinity, Hoffman. We, pastor and people, sit by the bedsides of our sick and dying, encouraging one another and bearing one another’s burdens, exemplifying the love of Christ in Word and Action. We partner with other churches in Southern Illinois to support the Lutheran Church in South Africa and through our 6,000+ partner churches to prepare church workers and send missionaries around the world. These are great blessings and opportunities from God that we pray He will use us unworthy vessels to carry out.
What are the challenges? Routine and “once in a lifetime” maintenance can be a big deal in a church insured at $2+ million, and one time maintenance costs necessitate a church setting aside money to meet those future big ticket items. Some mentioned in church council range from wiring issues and carpet replacement, baseboard, mold/allergy issues, and other more long range considerations. Many of our issues can be and often are resolved through talented volunteers, sometimes that simply isn’t possible. (That isn’t to say God’s work depends on a building – just that since this is the campus we have! Let’s use it to His glory!)
From a financial perspective, prayerful and planned tithing for God’s work of a portion of our resources to the work of God’s Church is an important principle of God’s Word. It is a joyful opportunity to take God at His Word as He promises to meet our needs, while returning for God’s work what He’s given. Indeed, He promises to bless such sacrificial giving and invites us to test and see that He will “open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need”(Malachi 3:10; Compare also, 2 Corinthians chapter 8 & 9). Our offerings are not begrudgingly given, but thoughtfully and prayerfully set aside because we know God takes care of us and gives us the blessed privilege of supporting His Kingdom work.
Estate planning gifts are another way Christians can bless and support the ministries that were close to their hearts during their lifetimes. Sometimes the greatest opportunity to support God’s mission (at Messiah; CORLHS; Preschool; etc) any of us will ever have will come after we die, as we return a portion of God’s earthly gifts enjoyed during our lifetimes to do His work after our lives. Giving from one’s estate after death may require planning and communication with heirs/attorneys/planners/etc, but can become an enduring witness to the importance of God’s mission in our lives. It gives me the opportunity to direct prayerfully the financial resources God has entrusted to me, rather than leaving those choices to Uncle Sam (IRS) or Daniel and Ezra (too young).
We have an upcoming chicken dinner (Aug.29) and apple butter (Sept.16-18) to help retire the $70,000 +/- owed on the fellowship hall. There are many ways to help us to accomplish this important goal, among them support for these special congregational projects. While this can never replace thoughtful committed giving to building debt retirement over and above general budget giving, it has a part to play. Many of us have selfishly found the greatest blessing of working together on these projects is the fun we have together and the opportunity to spend time together working and playing.
I am confident of this – God will work this out according to His will. If austerity is in our future, God’s will be done. If the budget/giving returns to a more “normal” pattern, “Thanks be to God.” As Jesus said, “Life is more than food and clothes!” But at the same time, if reading this causes you to reappraise the importance of our joint mission here at Messiah – so much the better. If it causes you to pray and seek ways – financial or otherwise (volunteering at preschool, visiting sick members, lawn mowing, apple butter stirring, etc)- to support and participate in this labor of love. God be praised!