A Celebration of Gratitude

Posted on Oct 21, 2015 in Newsletter |

by Michele Borns, Council President

Congregations that approach financial stewardship from a biblical perspective see financial contributions as a way to help people grow spiritually in their relationship with God by supporting their church’s mission and ministry with a percentage of their incomes. They do not view the money given to their church merely as a way to pay its bills.

This year’s stewardship campaign – A Celebration of Gratitude – will focus on the biblical and spiritual principles of stewardship. Out of gratitude and thanksgiving for all God has given us, we respond in giving. We do so proportionately and systematically in response to the question, “What percentage of my income is God calling me to give?”

It is also based on the biblical view that when we give, we do so for our own spiritual development, rather than on the need of the church to receive. In other words, we are not members of a social club paying dues, but followers of Jesus Christ who want to give unselfishly as an act of discipleship.

During Gratitude Weekend worship services on November 14 and 15, we are asking everyone to make their financial commitments to Epiphany’s missionary, benevolent, and educational ministries in this community and around the world. We will have celebrations throughout the weekend with fellowship and desserts after Saturday worship at the Far Hills campus, and with fellowship and breakfast at both campuses on Sunday.

During worship on this weekend, everyone will be invited to fill out an Estimate of Giving Card.  The decision to complete an Estimate of Giving Card is personal and will be done in such a way that respects the privacy of this decision.

There will be no follow-up home solicitation to ask people to complete cards. During every service, our pastors will conduct a brief period of instruction and inspiration, culminating in everyone making their commitments as a confidential act of worship.

The staff and church council members will encourage and promote participation in the Gratitude Weekend events.  Since there will be no personal follow-ups to ask people to complete their cards, we are making every effort to inform, inspire, and commit everyone to attend Gratitude Weekend worship on  November 14 and 15.

Thank you in advance for your support and enthusiastic participation in this program, and joining together with an attitude of gratitude! 

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