Welcome to my blog space. The Midweek Connection will be a way for St. Paul's members to check-in weekly to see what's going on around our "neighborhood." Those who are not members are welcome to check us out by joining the blog site. This is as good a place as any to see what's at the heart of our ministry from week to week. Each week this blog will deal with a variety of topics. Today's topic just happens to be about finances and helpful ministries.
I just heard on NPR this week, according to surveys and polls, that 33% of Americans are suffering the effects of a decrease in their personal income. I know that surveys are not a scientific way to gather information, but it squares with what I know about our congregation. Our church bookkeeper just shared with the Stewardship Team that of the top 150 donors, (mentioned only by giving envelope number, and not by household name for the sake of confidentiality), 66 of 150, or 44% had to reduce their giving for the first 15 weeks of 2009 compared with the same time period in 2008. Given that the Toledo area is one of the most economically depressed areas in the country, that percentage accurately reflects the financial situation of our surrounding neighborhoods. The great news is that 84 of 150, or 56% of the households increased their giving over the same time period. That means that in spite of tough economic times, our giving for the first 15 weeks increased 3.2%. Everyone contributing is making a valuable contribution in the life of the church.
My thanks to everyone for your continued support in tough times. I know that every household can not make an equal contribution, but we are all making an equal sacrifice. Your giving is a sacrifice for Christ. Just remember that the scriptures remind us to give as the Lord has prospered you. In other words, I'll continue to give 10% of what the Lord is giving to me no matter what. I'll trust in His grace rather than in the almighty dollar. You can do the same by setting your percentage of giving, and sticking with it to see what the Lord does to honor your plan.
St. Paul's wants to help anyway it can. Currently, we are offering two ways to assist families. Our once-a-month Community Dinners are being offered the last Friday of every month. Our goal is to help families stretch their budget to the end of the month. We hope that many in our area will take advantage of this offer and will have dinner on us! An offering basket is available each month, but giving is not necessary.
St. Paul's will also be offering a garden space the size of a single car garage for families that want to grow their own produce. Did you know that four tomato plants will produce over 100 lbs. of tomatoes? We have enough space for 40 family plots on the site that a church member has donated for this summer's use. My wife and I participated in a garden co-op many years ago, and we're looking forward to doing it again this summer. It was a great time for meeting our friends and working together. I hope you'll sign-up as soon as possible. St. Paul's wants to be the hands of Christ helping those in need.
Finally, as a matter of national emergency, would you commence to pray for protection for our country against swine flu. Prayer accomplishes a lot. Pray for President Obama's leadership, that the CDC handles this outbreak with wisdom, and that families stricken with the flu recover.
See you Sunday, Pastor Rog
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my family is one of the many feeling the stress of this current economic recession. my husband lost his job back in December. It has been one of the most difficult times in our lives. We have 5 beautiful children and I worry everyday what is going to happen and how am I going to continue to provide for my children. Well, every day I have to remind myself to put it into God's hands. I know that he will take care of the family that he blessed me with. And so far he has taken care of us. It is a daily battle to hold off the anger and fear and to keep my trust in Him. I have recently begun to even give what I can to others in need because I know that there are other people out there worse off than us. God would want me to help any way I can, I just have faith in that. I think I was able to get to this point in my faith because of our new membership into your church. Your messages on Sundays have touched me deeply and have driven my faith in God and that he is taking care of my family. Thank you very much for the gift of a rejuvenated faith.
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