Greetings sisters and brothers,

 

The church in Macedonia (2 Corinthians 8) will forever be the example of a generous congregation. Of them the apostle Paul writes, “For I can testify that they gave not only what they could afford, but far more. And they did it of their own free will. They begged us again and again for the privilege of sharing in the gift for the believers in Jerusalem” (2 Corinthians 8:3-4 NLT).

 

Impressive, right? Their generosity was such that they begged repeatedly for the privilege of giving. I think of this Macedonian congregation whenever another Stewardship campaign rolls around. Not because I’m hoping that the campaign will be a repeat of theirs — if this happened I wouldn’t complain! — I think of them because they remind me that a giving involves much more than money.

 

Before they became the kind of people that begged for the opportunity to give money, the apostle says, “Their first action was to give themselves to the Lord and to us, just as God wanted them to do” (2 Corinthians 8:5 NLT).

 

As it turns out, that is the kind of giving that makes possible all other types, and it’s the kind that God wants more than anything, including our money. He wants us, all of us.

 

Does this seem like too much to ask? It probably is, but we serve a God that demands us to give ourselves completely to him, that he might give himself fully to us. We say to God, "Here is my life, make of it what you will.” God joyfully accepts it and says to us, “Here is my life, go and live a life that makes me happy.” When we give ourselves to God, and receive the life of God, that is when we are able to live and give sacrificially… like the Macedonians.

 

As we approach our Stewardship Campaign in September we will follow their example. Of course we will provide an opportunity for you to make a generous financial commitment (no begging needed), but we will also be exploring how God calls us to be stewards of the very lives and resources he has given us. To do so we will be studying the life of Gideon, a man God called to view himself in light of how God saw him, and to live differently because of that divine vision. Please study Judges 6-7 in advance.

 

Here are some other offerings each Sunday in September:

 

•   Each Sunday will feature different opportunities to connect with small groups at COS. Tables will be set up right outside of the Sanctuary before and after each service (except the 18th).

•   September 18th

•   Interview with panelists from COS during both services. We will explore where we’ve been, where we are, and where we’re going.

•   Lunch following the 11:00 service. The smoker will be going all night, don’t miss out on this chance to hang out with sisters and brothers from church. Invite a friend.

•   September 25th: Commitment Sunday

•   You can pledge at anytime during the month through Realm, or by contacting Office Administrator, Melissa Hagemeier (melissa.hagemeier@cos-umc.org)

•   During the service there will be an opportunity to bring a pledge card forward.

 

Let’s continue the rich tradition of responding to God’s generosity towards us, by giving generously of our lives. As we do this we can expect that he’ll continue leading us down pathways where we can experience his presence bringing fresh opportunities to make an impact in his name.

 

Lastly, please continue praying for our church. Ask that God would bless this campaign, and continue leading us by his Spirit. God is doing wonderful things here, and I am thankful to be a part of it with you.

 

Thank you for your support and faithfulness to God and Church of the Saviour.

 

In Christ, your brother,

 

 

Pastor Meshach Kanyion