A period for our Parish to reflect and grow in our understanding and practice of generosity and giving.
'Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or 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.' (2 Corinthians 9:6-8)
As well as the First Fruits Course which we as a Parish will begin studying together next week (see What's On for further details), Fr Michael will also be giving short talks on the topic of generosity in the coming weeks after our usual Sunday morning worship services:
St Hilda's - Sunday 6th March 2022
St Mary's - Sunday 13th March 2022
St John's - Sunday 20th March 2022
Let us all pray to listen attentively and with open hearts as we consider this together, and work out what it means for us in practice as individuals. The joyful giving of our time, resources and finances to the cause of furthering of the gospel in the name of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, is our privilege and our duty. It bears eternal significance.
'“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.' (Matthew 6:19-21)
In his book '5 Things Every Christian Needs to Grow' R.C Sproul says, 'If you want to know how serious you are about investing in God's kingdom, look at your checkbook [sic]. It is an objective, concrete record of where your treasure is, and that tells you where your heart is.' (p.125). These kind of heart-searching discoveries can be uncomfortable for us to face, but let us not shy away from them. Rather let us thank God for the opportunity to grow in Christ-likeness and to share in the blessing of sharing what we ourselves have been entrusted with, joyfully giving all we can of ourselves, our gifts and finances, freely and out of hearts overflowing with the grace and goodness of God and trusting in Him to provide for our every need.
'But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.' (Matthew 6:33)
We are also encouraged to begin giving financially through the Parish Giving Scheme (PGS), which will help in many different ways including budgeting and planning for a sustainable, flourishing future in the Parish. Information about this can be found in the envelopes which are being handed out in the churches, and it is possible to join the scheme online via www.parishgiving.org.uk or by phoning 0333 002 1271, and using our parish code 430643633.
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