In many Presbyterian churches the month of November is – typically – “Stewardship Month.” And – typically – when many Presbyterians hear that, their eyes glaze over, their ears go deaf, their hearts grow cold, and their minds say, “All the church wants is money.”
Really? Really?!? Let’s take another look …
You show your heart in how you respond to God’s love. From the beginning of the world, all God has wanted is your heart, but we haven’t liked that. Cain gave second best to God, got ticked off at God’s disappointment, and killed his brother. From the beginning of the call to a covenant people, all God has wanted was hearts for kindness and justice. “You will be my people, and I will be your God.” Abraham gave a tenth of all he had to God; Jacob gave a tenth; God tells the people to give “from the fullness of your harvest and from the outflow of your presses” (Ex. 22:29). “A tithe of everything from the land … belongs to the LORD; it is holy to the LORD” (Lev. 27:30). Even the Levite priests, who had no land of their own, were to receive a tenth of the land from the other tribes, because they were called apart to serve God for the people. They were also to receive a tenth of the produce of the land … and then give a tenth of that to God as their sacrifice. All were to tithe any increase they had as well. Their tithes supported the Levite priests as well as “the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow” (Deut. 26:12). When the people forgot and sinned against God, they were finally led back under King Hezekiah and “generously gave the first fruits of their grain, new wine, oil and honey and all that the fields produced. They brought a great amount, a tithe of everything” (2 Chron. 31:5).
It has been argued that the tithe went the way of the Temple, no longer applying to Christians, since Jesus supersedes the law; Jesus just wants us to love God … Think again … Loving God can only mean one thing: loving others to the point of sacrifice. Jesus tells the leaders, “You give a tenth of your spices-- mint, dill and cumin. But you have neglected the more important matters of the law-- justice, mercy and faithfulness. You should have practiced the latter, without neglecting the former” (Mt. 23:23). Heart = money = behavior. From the beginning of the church in Jerusalem, all Christ has wanted was for us to live in community, to deeply love one another, care for one another, and share one’s bounty in sacrifice so no one is neglected (Acts 2:44).
The question we really face when we discuss money and stewardship is not whether the church wants your money. The question we really face is just what the young man faces when he asks Jesus what he needs to do to inherit eternal life (Mt. 19:16-26; Mk. 10:17-27; Lk. 18:18-27). The real question is, do I put God first, or do I just want God to put me first? Do I have to sacrifice to deepen my relationship with God? Just how much of me does God want?
God answered that question once and for all in the example God himself set: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son” (Jn. 3:16). God loves us so much that God sacrifices the first fruit of himself for us. Set aside the notion of church endowments, gifts, and having a debt-free building; they have nothing to do with one’s call and need to give. If where your heart is your money is (Mt. 6:21), how much, not only of your heart, but of the first fruits of your pocketbook, does God call you to give?
Shalom …
Our congregation’s Finance Committee has selected the New Consecration Sunday Stewardship Program as a way to teach the biblical and spiritual principles of generous giving in our stewardship education emphasis this year.
New Consecration Sunday is based on the biblical philosophy of the need of the giver to give for his or her own spiritual development, rather than on the need of the church to receive. We are not like members of a social club who should pay dues; we are followers of Jesus Christ who should want to give unselfishly as an act of discipleship. New Consecration Sunday encourages people toward proportionate and systematic giving in response to the question, “What percentage of my income is God calling me to give?”
During morning worship on Consecration Sunday (November 13), we are asking our attendees and members to make their financial commitments to our church’s missionary, benevolent, and educational ministries in this community and around the world.
Every attendee and member who completes an Estimate of Giving Card does so voluntarily while attending morning worship on Consecration Sunday. We urge people to attend even if they feel strongly opposed to completing a card. The procedure is done in such a way that no one feels personal embarrassment if he or she chooses not to fill out a card.
We will do no home solicitation to ask people to complete cards. During morning worship our guest leader will conduct a brief period of instruction and inspiration, climaxed by members making their commitments as a confidential act of worship.
We will encourage participation in Consecration Sunday events through the Consecration Sunday team and Session members. Since we will make no follow-up visits to ask people to complete their cards, we are making every effort to inform, inspire, and commit everyone to attend Consecration Sunday worship.
Thanks in advance for your enthusiastic participation in Consecration Sunday events.
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The nut orders from the Annual PW Nut Sale, supporting missions, will be delivered on Sunday, November 6 during coffee hour. Be sure to stop by the dining room to pick up your order or purchase some extras.
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Do You Need a Key?
The following is the new key policy recently approved by Session:
Keys for the Wayne Street oak door will be issued to Elders, Deacons or Staff without PMC approval, following instruction in the operation of the Church alarm system.
All other requests for Church keys must be submitted in writing to the Church administrative assistant and approved by the Property Management Committee (PMC).
The administrative assistant will issue all keys and shall maintain a log of keys issued.
Please keep in mind that we do not keep extra keys on hand so it may take time to have a key made for you.
Advent Celebration Lunch
Mark your calendars for the Advent Celebration Lunch on Sunday, December 4 following the 10:30 a.m. worship service with children’s pageant. A main course and dessert will be provided and everyone is invited to bring a cold dish to pass. Bring your family, friends, and neighbors to celebrate the joys of the coming Christmas season.
Sign up for reservations November 13-27 in the dining room. Adults $2.00, Family $5.00, and children 4 and under are free. You can also make reservations by calling the church office at 248-335-6866. Make checks payable to First Presbyterian Church. The last day for reservations is Wednesday, Nov. 30, 2011.
November Bible Readings
Weekly Lectionary Scriptures for this month are:
2nd: Exodus 20:1-4, 7-9, 12-20; Psalm 19; Philippians 3:4b-14; Matthew 21:33-46
9th: Exodus 32:1-14; Psalm 106:1-6, 19-23 Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14
16th: Exodus 33:12-23; Psalm 99; 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10; Matthew 22:15-22
23rd: Deuteronomy 34:1-12; Psalm 90:1-6, 13-17; 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8; Matthew 22:34-46
30th: Joshua 3:7-17; Psalm 107:1-7, 33-37; 1 Thessalonians 2:9-13; Matthew 23:1-12
28th: Exodus 3:1-15; Palm 105-1-6, 23-26, 45c; Romans 12:9-21; Matthew 16:21-28
November Music
6th “Simple Thanks” Don Besig
13th Prelude, Heritage Ringers, “With Thankful Hearts,” Arr. Douglas Wagner; Anthem: “Let All Things Now Living,” Katherine K. Davis
20th “Sing to the Lord of Harvest,” Healey Willan
27th “Every Valley,” John Ness Beck
With Our People
Prayers: The family of Dorothea Grimshaw who passed away on October 21. Lora Armstrong, Jane & Mike Baker, Doug Bartlett, Dan Cassidy, Elsie Field, Doris Hylla, Bruce McColl, Ann Newill, Ellen Reynnells, Bob Robb and Justina Warren.
Also, please keep in your prayers our people in the military: Jason Braun, grandson of Virginia Braun Lizz Huntoon, Joseph Morsi, Andrew Robertoy, Blake Robertoy, Nick Staffend and Dan Walsh.
Tuesdays, November 1 & 15, 6:30-8:00 p.m.
D.O.G. Youth Group Meetings
Sunday, November 6 11:00 a.m.
Reception for Ivan Phillips retirement
5:30 p.m.
Leadership Dinner at Gino’s Restaurant
Consecration
Sunday, November 13
10:30 a.m.
Blended Service
11:30 a.m. Celebration Luncheon
Friday, November 18, 11:00 a.m.
Presbyterian Women Bible Study & Luncheon at Gino’s Restaurant
Sunday, November 20
Communion 10:00 a.m. & 11:30 a.m.
Thursday & Friday, November 24 & 25
Church Office Closed for Thanksgiving
For Children/Youth Page
Pie-a-Thon
The D.O.G. youth group is having a Pie Social on November 20th. You will be able to pre-order a homemade pie in the flavor of apple, cherry, chocolate, lemon, or pumpkin. A full pie is $10.00, or you can buy a slice for $2.00. You can place your pie order during coffee hour or by talking with one of our youth.
Christmas Joy Offering
On Sunday, November 27, our Sunday school children will be given a collection box for the Christmas Joy offering. As we move through Advent, we invite the children to think about what they have and put coins in their box in honor of those things. Money collected will be for those who are in need. Gifts will be dedicated on Sunday, December 18.
Because Advent and Christmas shine a light not only on our world’s greatest hope but also on our world’s greatest need, the PC provides this timely opportunity for congregations to support causes specifically designed to bring Good News of Great Joy to the poor in circumstance or spirit. Alongside the message of promise and fulfillment in Luke’s Gospel, we hear the clear call to God’s people to respond in faith as Christ calls us: “From everyone to whom much has been given, much will be required; and from the one to whom much has been entrusted, even more will be demanded” (Luke 12:48).
Christmas Pageant
This year’s Christmas Pageant will be Sunday, December 4. Our children will present the story of Christ’s birth during worship at 10:30 a.m. Afterwards we will all enjoy an Advent Lunch in the dining room. Rehearsals will be on Sundays, November 13, 20, and 27 at 11:00 a.m. on the 4th floor. Dress rehearsal will be in the Sanctuary on Saturday, December 3 following the parade.
Parade
The annual Christmas parade will be Saturday, December 3. Everyone is invited to walk or ride with our Nativity float. We will be meeting at the church at 9 a.m. to go as a group to line up. This is a fun time and we encourage you to mark your calendar and join us!
A Word from the Christian Education Office
As most of you know, James and I will be welcoming our second child in November. I will be on maternity leave November 7 - January 2. While I am off, Judy Bartlett will be filling in for me on Sundays. Please let her or Kevin Bartlett know if there is anything you need. God Bless, Joelle Jarrait