From the Pastor
 
Who would’ve imagined?

On October 26, we took a “second offering”.  The purpose was to gather over $500.00 for our congregation’s donation to the Southeast Michigan Synod’s “Building Here  Building There” Fund.
 
This special offering was to be given in memory of our late Bishop, John Schreiber.
 
Making this request  in a time of financial turmoil seemed unwise.  It’s hard enough for people to give one offering – how could we ask for a second?
 
In faith, we did.
By grace (and the faithfulness of those present), we surpassed our goal.
When I was informed of this, I could feel tears well up in my eyes.  I was a little overwhelmed.
 
I can talk about the big things that will be done with the money...the construction of the Habitat House in Flint, the community center in Tanzania, the homes on the Mount of Olives. Good things will be done with this offering.
 
Yet, I don’t believe that is even the very most important thing.  Most importantly:  there was a need, there was a call, and you responded. 
 
I love the TV show, “Eli Stone”.  It’s quirky, frequently includes big song and dance scenes – and is about faith.  The very first episode, Eli has a vision of George Michael in his living room, singing “You Gotta Have Faith”.
 
I don’t know that I’ve heard that song much since the 80’s, but it became a recurring theme in the show – hearing the song at just the moment when things seemed least clear, even hopeless. 
 
Anyway, after I heard about the results of the  special offering, I recognized those familiar melody....we gotta have faith, faith, faith, we’ve gotta have faith, faith, faith.”
 
The reason we gather together is so that we will grow in faith:  that we will know Jesus better and learn to follow him more faithfully; that our commitment will grow.  Giving an offering is one of the most effective ways this happens.
 
Around this time of year, we talk about giving, and  invite the making of commitments.  As we do, I don’t want to talk about budgets. Ultimately, meeting a budget is not what our giving is about.
 
Giving is about faith.  Giving strengthens our relationship with God.
 
Bishop Schreiber believed this.  It’s the reason he and his wife were intentional in their personal giving.  They’d hoped eventually to  give one of their salaries away.  He knew God would provide, and his call was to act faithfully -- which for him ultimately meant to give much more than a tithe of 10%.
 
It is a good time to reflect upon our giving.  Doing so – prayerfully, faithfully, will be the best memorial to Bishop Schreiber we could offer.
 
In Christ,
 

Pastor Julianne Smeck