As the recovery work begins on the East Coast, the images and information regarding the destruction are mind-boggling. How do you start over when nothing is left to begin with?
Over and over, you hear the people say, "I'm alive and these were just things. We will rebuild. Life goes on."
We are inspired by there attitude and their spirit. We donate. We volunteer. We pray.
All of this has been going on as our church conducts its annual Stewardship Campaign. Additionally, we are preparing to celebrate Thanksgiving and Christmas. A follow-up to our church Stewardship Campaign included the following note written by our church's Stewardship Chairperson:
This past year
there has been considerable news coverage of the 1% versus the 99%,
highlighting the income difference between the wealthiest Americans and the rest of us.
Those of us, who are Methodists, in Hagerstown don’t usually think of ourselves as part of
the 1%, but we really are when compared to the rest of the world! The average annual
worldwide income is about $7,000/year and in places like Burundi less than $200/year
according to data from the United Nations. Clearly, even with the economic problems in
America, we have been blessed.
highlighting the income difference between the wealthiest Americans and the rest of us.
Those of us, who are Methodists, in Hagerstown don’t usually think of ourselves as part of
the 1%, but we really are when compared to the rest of the world! The average annual
worldwide income is about $7,000/year and in places like Burundi less than $200/year
according to data from the United Nations. Clearly, even with the economic problems in
America, we have been blessed.
Our Christian
faith calls us to help those in need. As
a church we do that, both locally and
globally. However, it takes planning and we can more effectively plan once we have an
estimate of giving. Thus, I write this note to ask that you return the enclosed pledge card as
soon as possible to let us know your intentions in supporting the mission of First Church.
globally. However, it takes planning and we can more effectively plan once we have an
estimate of giving. Thus, I write this note to ask that you return the enclosed pledge card as
soon as possible to let us know your intentions in supporting the mission of First Church.
I guess what strikes me is that the we are always quick to give when disaster strikes, but seemingly unwilling to provide for the needs in the present.
As we make plans for a season of gift-giving, perhaps you might consider one less for gift for yourself or those on your list who say they need nothing and instead make a gift to a mission or ministry. Perhaps this coming year could include planning to give instead of waiting for disaster to strike.
See you Sunday ....
BTW, we will be taking a special offering for storm relief efforts.
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