I continue to be inspired and grateful for the faithfulness and generosity of our congregation members. Amen! And as we prayerfully prepare ourselves for the Stewardship/Consecration Sunday Service on November 19th, I am reminded again and again of the many ways you demonstrate faithful, generous living.

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         At this time, when we consider our 2024 Stewardship giving commitments, which sustain and serve God’s people through worship and ministries at Tinley Park UMC, I am remembering one of my favorite Stewardship passages found in 2 Corinthians 9. Together, let us prayerfully center our hearts and our faith in the reading and meditating on these verses:

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      “There is no need for me to write to you about this service to the Lord’s people. For I   

      know your eagerness to help, …” [verses 1-2 NIV].

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      “Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and who ever sows

       generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided           in your heart to give, not reluctantly under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.        And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all

     that you need, you will abound in every good work.” [verses 6-8 NIV].

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      “This service that you perform is not only supplying the needs of the Lord’s people,    

      but is also overflowing in many expressions of thanks to God. Because of the service

        by which you have proved yourselves, others will praise God for the obedience that 

      accompanies your confession of the gospel of Christ, and for your generosity in sharing

       with them and with everyone else. And in their prayers for you, their hearts will go             out to you, because of the passing grace God has given you. Thanks be to God for his   

      indescribable gift!”  [verses 12-15 NIV].

 

     From the pastor’s heart, I pray we keep the faith, love God and all God’s people without end—and trust in God’s presence, provisions, purposes, and blessings!

 

The grace and peace of Christ be with you,

Pastor Mark