In the fall, there is a lot of talk in churches about money. Budgets begin to take shape for the next year and members are asked to indicate the amount they plan to contribute to the ministries of the congregation.

As we continue to struggle in the US with unemployment and rising poverty rates, it seems like a really bad time to be talking about giving money away. Yet, it is a good time for those of us who have money to say thanks to God for what we do have. It’s also a good time to look around and recognize how many folks have a lot less than we have, and to be even more grateful for what we have.

I remember meeting with the leaders and volunteers of a ministry in Chicago and being amazed to learn that most of the folks the ministry helped gave 10% of the little bit of income they had – Social Security, Unemployment, Disability, and so forth − to the ministry. “If they can hardly feed themselves, why were they giving so much away?” I wondered.  The answer was just as surprising. “Because they know there is always someone with less than they have, and they want to help them, too.”

As we think about what we have, it may help us keep it in perspective by comparing ourselves, not to those who have more, but to those who have less. Are we grateful to have what we have? Those with less are grateful for full tummies and enough money to pay the rent.  How much more most of us have in comparison!

Gifts and offerings to churches like Hope are used to provide for the spiritual care of members and our neighbors, and to provide physical assistance to our neighbors as we have the funds and the ability to do so.

Let us give thanks to God for what God has first given us, and pass on some of it to those who have less.

In HOPE

For Pastor’s Sermons go to:  www.hopewards.blogspot.com

Pastor Lynn leads two adult study classes. For details about these classes, please see the Education Page.

Sunday’s Coming: Monday mornings at 10:30 we read and discuss the scripture texts for the following Sunday.

In our community of faith you will gather with people who look forward with joy to an everlasting future.  These are people of HOPE.

Our worship services feeds people with the Gospel, the Good News of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Here you will find people who are EVANGELICAL.

This congregation remembers that they live in faith, by the grace of God, firmly rooted and grounded in the scriptures.  We are LUTHERAN.

Above all, we represent a group of people often called the Body of Christ.  We are a congregation of people.  We are called the CHURCH, a part of the great church of Christ’s people all over the world.

Please join us as we serve one another and reach out into our community to care for others in our life together in the name of Jesus Christ.