Using God's Gifts of
* Time
* Talent
* Treasure
The Stewardship Committee exists to encourage members of all ages to be faithful stewards f all that God has given them so that we may experience the joy of participating in God's mission. Committee duties include:
Maintain the FirstFruits program
Educate the various age groups within the church in the principles, practices and joy of Christian stewardship
Stewardship committee has, for example, sponsored Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University, a 12 week seminar series.
First Fruits
The First Fruits program is based on the scriptural principles of giving and is designed to help us realize what God expects from us. God has blessed us greatly during the past year, and FirstFruits was one of the means to that end. As we eagerly anticipate the new year, the Council requests that we all make a FirstFruits Pledge.
First Fruits giving means that we trust God for the "gift" that we desire to give for His work in the church and mission. It is a step of faith, anticipating God's continued blessing in the year that lies ahead.
First Fruits giving encourages us to plan our giving. All of us need to plan our expenditures based on our income. Including giving in our financial thinking and budgeting helps to in sure that giving to God is a priority item.
First Fruits giving is a spiritual experience for us. it gives us the opportunity to discover the reality of God's faithfulness to His promises. We will experience the true joy of making our offering an act of worship. It is an exercise of faith as well as a powerful way to meet the ongoing needs of the church.
First Fruits giving is a tangible way to train our children in the Biblical way of giving and trusting God for His continued future care and blessing. Children should be taught and encouraged by their parents to participate in Christian stewardship.
First Fruits giving is Biblical. The Scriptures encourage us to give generously in a faith response to the promises that God has given us.
Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, ... test me in this, says the Lord Almighty, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough to hold it. Micah 3:10
God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work ... you will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous in every occasion. 2 Corinthians 9:8-11
Council requests your response and signature to determine that all pledges have been submitted and to complete the budget process for the coming year. An elder or deacon will contact any professing members who have not responded. A First Fruits covenant is between the donor and God. No one will send a statement to collect it. If you are unable to fulfill your entire pledge, make it a matter of payer and talk to God about it.
