September 17, 2024
I know that it’s considered gauche to boast about a congregation’s generosity. But … if it was good enough for Paul, the same who authored a letter to the Ephesians, well, I’ll take the chance.
In his second letter to the Church in Corinth, Paul lifted up another church, a church under Roman occupation no less: “We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia, for during a severe ordeal of affliction their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For, as I can testify, they voluntarily gave according to their means and even beyond their means, begging us earnestly for the favor of partnering in this ministry to the saints …” (2 Corinthians 8:1-2)
It’s quite a compliment that they “overflowed in a wealth of generosity.” I believe generosity it is a sign of the kingdom of God in and through us.
Prince of Peace “partners in the ministry to the saints” with thirteen global mission partners. You can view them on our new display in the Fellowship Hall. Each partner has a personal connector in our congregation and communicates regularly with our global mission team. We are so inspired by their faithfulness and testimonies. And, we always wish we could do more.
Kudos to Megan Orr and Julie Kirgis, and all the volunteers and donors, for our most successful Closet Cause ever! There are so many benefits to so many people, including ourselves, but not least is that it is our fundraiser for our global mission partners for the coming year. We have thus far raised a fabulous $24,082!
However, two generous donor have agreed to match a total of up to $30,000! We still have an opportunity to give $5,918 through October, which would double to $11,836, which would multiply yet again in the hands of our global partners. You can still be part of God’s ongoing generosity with your prayers and by contributing at this link.
There are so many ways to be generous and our church regularly “overflows in a wealth of generosity” for operating our church ministry, for our local mission partners and for our global mission partners. Of course, we give “according to our means, and even beyond.” I know that every gift is beautiful.
Thank you on behalf our sisters and brothers in Uganda, Haiti, Guatemala, Kenya, Nicaragua and Lutheran World Relief, for “begging us earnestly for the favor of partnering in this ministry.”
Pastor Jim |
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