On average, Lutherans give 2.8% of their income to their congregations. If we were in the LDS church, we definitely would not get our Temple Recommend at that level of giving. Is your giving planned or an afterthought? Do you give from whatever is in your wallet, or have you made a mental or actual pledge?  What is the priority that you place on giving to Zion? - Denny Gross

Living Offerings—Thanks be to God for offerings received in memorial gifts! Recently, five communion kits were purchased for the new visitation team. The expense ($415) was covered through undesignated memorial funds, which came from offerings received in memory of loved ones. Two sets of green paraments were also purchased with these funds. The new sound system and orff instruments have been funded through the designated memorial fund, established in memory of Dr. Ellen Crooks, for items related to worship and music. We give thanks to God for Ellenʹs witness! Have you thought about memorial giving? If you are interested, please speak with our Congregational President, Denny Gross.

STEWARDSHIP FOUNDATIONS - THE BASIC IDEAS

It’s about all of life. Everything in life … and life itself … comes from God as a gift. Think “life management.” Romans 12:1-2 It’s about trust. Ever wanted to be a trust manager? Your life and everything in it is a trust from God. God trusts you to manage it faithfully (that is, with confidence or trust in God). Luke 19:11-17 Generous. It’s what you hope to be. So, it would be a tragedy if you were forced to live a stingy life. That tragedy won’t happen. God makes sure by being generous with you. You have what you need … and more … to be the generous person you were created to be. 2 Corinthians 9:8-15 Proportionality. Big word, simple idea. You give what God has given you to give - no more, no less. Everyone’s “portfolio” of assets is different - material wealth, priceless talent, rich wisdom, a treasury of experience, a heart full of love - but we’re all rich. 2 Corinthians 8:1-15 Blessed to be a blessing. The Body of Christ is you. You are where God is alive and at work. You are the hands and feet of Christ. God has a job to do - redeeming the world - and God is getting it done through you. Genesis 12:1-3; 1 Corinthians 12:4-26 Traditions - the basic practices: “Tithe.” It means “one tenth” or 10%. From the beginning it’s been the standard for what God’s people set aside specifically for the service of God’s Word. The “tithe” offering isn’t the only offering you make. In faith, all your life is an offering for God’s redemptive purposes in the world. (Remember, everything you do with everything you have is “stewardship” or “life management.”) The “tithe” is your offering for God’s Word and what God accomplishes through it. Numbers 18:21; Malachi 3:8-10 “First fruits” giving. Long ago it was the practice of dedicating the first and the best of the harvest to the service of God’s Word. Today faithful Christians know it’s still the best way to get the job done. “The bottom of the barrel” isn’t good enough. Neither are “leftovers” - what’s left after you do everything else. Off the top, cream of the crop. When God’s Word “Yes!” is the first and last word in your life, “first fruits” giving comes naturally. Deuteronomy 26:1-15.