|
Time to get wet! When we were baptized into Christ, he claimed all of us, and all that we have is his. This is the meaning of "stewardship," it is the idea that what we call "ours" is really God's. The more we commit it to God, the freer we truly are. Our lives, our possessions, our bodies are wasted when we do not ask God what he would have us do with them. And the choices we make with them reflect how attune we are to our relationship with God.
In the coming months, we will renew our sense of financial stewardship with an emphasis called "New Consecration Sunday." The idea is that what we have is God's, and who we are as Christians is formed largely by our use of the treasures with which he has entrusted us. Jesus says, "Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." (Lk 12:34) Even the money that we don't give to God's work in the Church as such, is still his, and should be used responsibly, in ways that please and give glory to him
New Consecration Sunday itself will be November 11. In the weeks before, you will be invited to pray and to think about how, and to what extent God is calling you to participate in the work of his Church. "Meeting the budget" will not be the emphasis, but rather, growing in your discipleship and answering God's call. It is up to you and God to discern your giving, but this will be an opportunity to encourage one another as we do this.
You will also be invited to a special meal on New Consecration Sunday. This meal will be provided without cost or labor to you, and we will not discuss pledges at it. This will be an opportunity to celebrate the opportunities we have to grow in stewardship (giving back to God what he has first given us) and discipleship (giving all we have to follow Jesus). Pledging commitments will be addressed at other times and in other ways.
Be looking for an invitation to join us for New Consecration Sunday! And I encourage you to pray and listen to God, and to discern how God is calling you to contribute and participate in the work of his Kingdom. Let no part of you remain dry!
Pr. Bill+
COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS
Here are some highlights from the most recent POG congregation council meeting, held Monday, August 10. This is not an exhaustive account. Complete minutes, once submitted by the secretary, are available from the church office upon request.
-- A final disbursement from the estate of the late George Fortek was distributed to POG in the amount of $15,353.56, for a total bequest of 95,353.56. As per a previous resolution which anticipated the possibility of a further disbursement of the Council, this disbursement will be divided for use in the same ratios as was the initial $80,000 disbursement.
-- Property Committee has received estimates from three roofing companies. The Committee will meet soon to discuss a decision regarding which roofing company best serves our purposes.
-- An offer from Marlene Bentley and her family to plant a Greenspire Linden tree on the POG grounds was gratefully accepted. The exact location of this planting remains to be determined.
-- A standing wedding schedule fee, including fees for pastor, organist, and building usage, was approved.
-- Dan Erickson was appointed to replace Kristine Zaborny as the youth representative on council.
--Discussion was had regarding a recent trend in declining volunteerism at POG, which continues to be a concern of the staff.
-- The attachment to the wall of two new bookcases donated by Jim and Barb Hookom was approved.
-- An offer from the Pre-School and Day Care Board to donate new carpeting in the fellowship hall area was gratefully accepted. The board will consult with the property committee regarding choice of color.
-- Norma Kohlameinen was appointed to the mutual ministry committee.
|
|
