Offertory Thought October 11, 2009

In prep school on Wednesday afternoons we received our weekly allowance of $3.00 to enjoy during what was called our “downtown time.” The allowance was to last the week, and might buy lunch at Friendly’s, or a movie, an ice cream sundae at the State Street soda fountain, or maybe even buy a gift for a friend or pay for martinizing. Few of us had any notions about not spending every last penny of that allowance. I am just about 100% sure not one of us kept a portion of that allowance to place in the offering plate at the churches we were obliged to attend every Sunday. Hmmmmm!!!???

Offertory Thought October 4, 2009

In our Methodist Hymnal there appear three verses to the hymn “Be Thou My Vision.” There is a verse missing, which appears in the Chalice Hymnal as the 3rd verse and reads: “Riches I heed not, nor world’s empty praise, thou mine inheritance now and always, thou and thou only, first in my heart, Great God of heaven, my treasure thou art.”

Offertory Thought September 27, 2009

In nursing we were taught to set priorities in order to care for our patients competently and complete our work in a timely manner. My priorities often differed from those of my co-workers and bosses. I recall the priority of some was eating breakfast first, then starting their work. Our priorities change as we move through life. Priorities at 23, are different from priorities at 33, or 43 and on and on. The fact that you are here this morning suggests that church is important to you. Please make it a priority by pledging to support it financially.

OFFERTORY THOUGHT Sept 13, 2009

James writes: “Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift is from above.” He says plainly that generosity comes from God. It is a gift of faith. We might think the opposite of being generous is being stingy, but in truth I think people who are stingy are afraid. They cannot trust anyone other than themselves to put their money to good use. People are not stingy because they are mean; they are stingy because they are faithless.