Abundant Joy, Overflowing Generosity

Planning for Sunday Two

Planning for Sunday Three

Giving God Our Worship

Giving to God of Our Spiritual Gifts

D e s i g n a n d plan a w o r s h i p service to d e v e l o p the biblical u n d e r s t a n d i n g of giving

This w e e k invite people of faith to e m b r a c e the unique spiritual gifts that G o d has entrusted to

the S a b b a t h to G o d through gathering for a n d participating in w o r s h i p .

e a c h of t h e m as a believer. Each p e r s o n has talents a n d abilities to be used to bless his or her o w n life, to bless the lives of others, and to bless the ministry of the c h u r c h .

S a b b a t h includes worship within the h o u s e h o l d of the faithful to celebrate o n e ' s faith with others, participating in the act of praising G o d t h r o u g h corporate s o n g ,

To bless m e a n s to bring joy and to s t r e n g t h e n . Help people realize that each of us is called to

prayer, liturgy, fellowship, and p r o c l a m a t i o n .

discover and use our abilities; G o d w a n t s us to bless others by s e r v i n g , volunteering, w i t n e s s i n g , and inviting. A n d w h e n a task aligns with s o m e o n e ' s G o d - g i v e n ability the result is joy,

W o r s h i p is the most important corporate activity of the local c h u r c h . To w o r s h i p is to

satisfaction, and a d e e p feeling of a c c o m p l i s h m e n t .

t a k e time to rest and reflect, to actively pull a w a y f r o m life's distractions, m u c h as o n e d o e s each d a y for devotional prayer, and to take intentional time to be in the

A healthy c o n g r e g a t i o n s e r v e s G o d ' s people within a n d b e y o n d the c o n g r e g a t i o n . T h e s e

p r e s e n c e of G o d within the c h u r c h setting a n d with the people of the c h u r c h .

ministries include everything f r o m serving those in n e e d to s p r e a d i n g the g o o d n e w s , beginning with the n e i g h b o r h o o d w h e r e the c o n g r e g a t i o n is located and m o v i n g o u t w a r d into the w o r l d . Healthy congregations recognize that both spiritual formation a n d mission service are essential

Thought Starters • A s k specific people to share their musical, writing, d r a m a , and other artistic

to faithful discipleship.

gifts at this service. • C r e a t e an art gallery; hang appropriate paintings and b a n n e r s that p e o p l e have m a d e in the narthex or sanctuary. • Inspire the high school a n d middle school a g e y o u t h and children to w o r k o n projects over several w e e k s to present

T h o u g h t Starters • Pass out information that the service t e a m has c o m p i l e d that lists opportunities to serve in the local c o m m u n i t y and the c h u r c h . • Offer e v e r y o n e the opportunity to take a spiritual gifts inventory in the w e e k s prior to this Sunday. • S h o w c a s e ministry opportunities available in the

at this service.

church and c o m m u n i t y that align with specific gifts. • Gather a f e w m e m b e r s w h o are especially c o m m i t t e d Did y o u k n o w that Giving has p r e s e n t e d a

to prayer. S e n d letters to p e o p l e o n a specific street

u n i q u e giving e m p h a s i s in e a c h of its a n n u a l

near your church asking for prayer needs. Include a card

m a g a z i n e s for more t h a n a d e c a d e ? T h e y are filled with creative w a y s to e n c o u r a g e joyful s t e w a r d s in your c o n g r e g a t i o n . A limited n u m b e r of back issues of Giving

magazine

are available for p u r c h a s e . To learn m o r e , visit the R e s o u r c e s by T h e m e section of the E S C

to fill out a n d return to the c h u r c h , and ask people to include their n a m e a n d p h o n e n u m b e r or email a d d r e s s if they w a n t to receive a follow-up call or visit. Promise to pray regularly for the n e e d s . C o m m i t to sending letters to residents on all of the streets near the church by a specific date.

w e b store at w w w . s t e w a r d s h i p r e s o u r c e s . o r g .

4 Giving

Giving 5

Abundant Joy, Overflowing Generosity

Planning the Four Worship Services

Planning for Sunday Four

Giving to God of Our Income No giving e m p h a s i s w o r t h its salt avoids talking about money. Plan t o d a y ' s s e r m o n and w o r s h i p to e m p h a s i z e the use of m o n e y as a core discipline of faith f o r m a t i o n . Invite people to learn, u n d e r s t a n d ,

Planning for Sunday One

and decide h o w to use m o n e y in a G o d - h o n o r i n g way.

Giving God Our Day

T h e offering itself is an act of w o r s h i p , a n a c k n o w l e d g m e n t that all w e have is a gift f r o m G o d , belongs to G o d , a n d is to be used with c o m p a s s i o n , w i s d o m , u n d e r s t a n d i n g , and o b e d i e n c e . G o d has blessed

Design a n d plan a worship service that c o n v e y s a biblical understanding of giving G o d a

us, and w e give to bless others a n d to strengthen the mission and ministry of the c h u r c h .

specific portion of the day through devotional prayer.

T h e tithe w a s instituted by G o d as a m e a n s to support the priesthood, the religious institution, and p u r p o s e s related to that religious body, including caring for the poor a n d destitute.

Devotional prayer is • a w a y to be present before G o d e a c h day, to be quiet and still, to s p e a k a n d

Even t h o u g h there are d i s a g r e e m e n t s about the exact m e a n i n g of "tithe," it is consistently c o n n e c t e d

listen, to feel and u n d e r s t a n d .

with giving G o d a portion of w h a t G o d has first given us. S u c h offerings are expressions of devotion to

• v e r y p e r s o n a l , but a l w a y s practiced with discipline.

G o d and a m e a n s to support the w o r k of the c h u r c h and create pools of sufficiency for all.

• a n active part of a person's desire to c o m m u n e with G o d a n d grow in faith, to daily c o m e before G o d , to be given w o r d s and t h o u g h t s to reflect o n t h r o u g h o u t

By giving a percentage of our i n c o m e , w e provide for the practical financial ministry needs of the c h u r c h and w e provide for the n e e d s of the poor and suffering. This h a p p e n s as w e give to fill the " s t o r e h o u s e " — t h e c h u r c h - a n d faith-based a g e n c i e s that help provide for people w h o are poor or in

the day. • vital for the spiritual health of the believer a n d the church.

need.

Thought Starters • Provide short, well written descriptions of the ministries

Thought Starters: • Present t w o or three specific w a y s t h r o u g h w h i c h a

your congregation supports. S h o w lots of photos of

p e r s o n m a y begin or g r o w in the practice of daily

people doing ministry. Tell stories that s h o w how

devotional prayer. T h e goal is to have people not

congregational giving m a d e a difference in individual people's lives. Better yet, have the people t h e m s e l v e s tell their stories. Provide w a y s for people to contribute to support t h e s e ministries. • Pass out the Percentage Living c o m m i t m e n t card

only know of these tools, but be taught h o w to use t h e m and the benefit of having daily quiet time with G o d . • S u g g e s t w a y s that people c a n include praise,

s h o w n on page 8 . Provide a w a y for people to turn

t h a n k s g i v i n g , petition, a n d confession in their devotional

in their c o m p l e t e d c o m m i t m e n t c a r d s . Have cards

t i m e , a n d use music to help t h e m focus a n d reflect.

returned to the church office or the leadership t e a m to be presented in w o r s h i p or have m e m b e r s of the c o n g r e g a t i o n turn in their c o m m i t m e n t cards during the offering as an e x p r e s s i o n of w o r s h i p . • Be sure to s e n d a letter of t h a n k s to people for r e s p o n d i n g ,

• E n c o u r a g e people to j o u r n a l , and distribute journals with relevant scripture p a s s a g e s followed by questions to spark a journal r e s p o n s e . • Plan the w e e k ' s adult S u n d a y school a r o u n d a devotional a n d

along with a reminder that there's still t i m e to do so if they

several questions to help people get started in their prayer a n d journaling

have not r e s p o n d e d yet.

time. (The first of four bulletin inserts for this 2 0 1 2 giving e m p h a s i s , " A b u n d a n t Joy, Overflowing Generosity," is d e s i g n e d to serve this p u r p o s e . T h e bulletins a n d other materials are available for p u r c h a s e f r o m E S C ; s e e the T h e m e Materials ad on the back cover of this magazine.)

6 Giving

Abundant Joy, Overflowing Generosity

Percentage Living Y o u ' v e h e a r d of p e r c e n t a g e g i v i n g . B u t t o f o l l o w t h e e x a m p l e of t h e M a c e d o n i a n s — t o first g i v e o u r s e l v e s t o C h r i s t — i s " p e r c e n t a g e l i v i n g . " O u r g i v i n g , like t h e i r s , c a n f l o w o u t of a c o m m i t m e n t of o u r entire life t o G o d . Taking a l o o k at s c r i p t u r e , w e s e e t h a t t h e M a c e d o n i a n s h a d t h e right i d e a . " Y o u shall love t h e L o r d y o u r G o d w i t h all y o u r heart, a n d w i t h all y o u r s o u l , a n d w i t h all y o u r s t r e n g t h , a n d w i t h all y o u r m i n d ; a n d y o u r n e i g h b o r as y o u r s e l f " (Luke 1 0 : 2 7 , N R S V ) . " C o m m i t y o u r w a y t o t h e L o r d ; t r u s t in h i m a n d he will a c t " (Psalm 3 7 : 5 , NRSV). " C o m m i t y o u r w o r k t o t h e L o r d , a n d y o u r p l a n s will b e e s t a b l i s h e d " (Proverbs 16:3, CEV). G o d d e s e r v e s s o m u c h m o r e t h a n w e g i v e , b u t if w e ' r e h o n e s t w i t h o u r s e l v e s , life h a p p e n s . W e live in a w o r l d w i t h c o m p l e x d e m a n d s o n o u r t i m e , energy, f o c u s , a n d attention. S o rather t h a n feel guilty t h a t G o d d o e s n o t g e t m o r e of us, w e c a n f i n d s e c u r i t y a n d e x p e r i e n c e g r o w t h in o u r faith a n d w a l k w i t h t h e L o r d t h r o u g h p e r c e n t a g e l i v i n g — g i v i n g G o d a s p e c i f i c a n d i n t e n t i o n a l p o r t i o n of o u r day, o u r w e e k , a n d o u r life. This g i v i n g e m p h a s i s p r e s e n t s p e r c e n t a g e living o v e r f o u r c o n s e c u t i v e S u n d a y s . T h e g o a l is t o h e l p a n entire congregation b e c o m e increasingly healthy as each p e r s o n of f a i t h b e c o m e s a m o r e c o m m i t t e d f o l l o w e r of Christ. T h e g r o u n d w o r k for t h e f o u r w e e k s of f o c u s o n p e r c e n t a g e living b e g i n s m o n t h s a h e a d of t i m e w i t h t h e s e l e c t i o n of l e a d e r s h i p a n d s e r v i c e t e a m s .

Percentage Living in Action The Leadership Team Several m o n t h s a h e a d of t h e f o u r - w e e k e m p h a s i s , b e g i n r e c r u i t i n g leaders w h o will pray, p l a n , a n d

Sample Letter of Invitation o r g a n i z e t h e m a t e r i a l s a n d i n f o r m a t i o n t h a t will b e u s e d . T h e s e p e o p l e m a y b e m e m b e r s of an already e s t a b l i s h e d s t e w a r d s h i p m i n i s t r y t e a m or representatives from the governing board along with selected members from the congregation.

Here's an invitation letter to adapt with information relevant to the givers in your congregation. (Print on Theme Materials letterhead or your church letterhead [consider adding the downloadable "Abundant Joy, Overflowing Generosity" logo].)

Dear. Effective m e m b e r s o f t h e P e r c e n t a g e Living l e a d e r s h i p t e a m will u n d e r s t a n d t h e i m p o r t a n c e of f a i t h f o r m a t i o n . They should be people w h o have s h o w n a desire to g r o w as d i s c i p l e s , a n d w h o are c o m m i t t e d t o t h e v a l u e s , g o a l s , a n d m i s s i o n of t h e c h u r c h — p e o p l e well a b l e t o m o d e l w h a t will b e a s k e d of all m e m b e r s . T h e l e a d e r s h i p t e a m will b e m o s t e f f e c t i v e w i t h t h e p a s t o r as an a c t i v e m e m b e r , s i n c e he or s h e will b e t h e p r i m a r y i n d i v i d u a l w h o will p r e a c h a n d t e a c h . T h e p a s t o r c a n also offer t h e o l o g i c a l a n d m e t h o d o l o g i c a l g u i d a n c e t h r o u g h o u t t h e P e r c e n t a g e Living series of services and activities.

The Service Team Consider having the leadership team appoint a shortt e r m s e r v i c e t e a m , a g r o u p of c o m m i t t e d f o l k s w h o h a v e t h e skills, p a s s i o n , a n d c o m m i t m e n t t o e n c o u r a g e t h e spiritual g r o w t h of i n d i v i d u a l s a n d t h e w h o l e c o n g r e g a t i o n , a n d t i m e t o d o a lot of t h e o r g a n i z i n g of P e r c e n t a g e Living activities.

God deserves so much more than we give, but if we're honest with ourselves, life happens. We live in a world with complex demands on our time, energy, focus, and attention. Instead of feeling guilty that God does not get more of us, we can experience growth in our faith and walk with the Lord through "percentage living"—giving God a specific and intentional portion of our day, our week, and our life,

Overflowing Generosity - 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 (NRSV)

We're going to explore percentage living together over four consecutive Sundays beginning on [date of first Sunday of giving emphasis]. Our goal will be to help our entire congregation become increasingly healthy as each person of faith becomes a more committed follower of Christ. The groundwork for these four Sundays began months ago with people praying and planning around four ways of giving: Giving of Our Day—giving God a portion of the day through devotional prayer. Giving the Sabbath—giving the Sabbath to God in worship.

M e m b e r s of t h e s e r v i c e t e a m will b e a s s i g n e d s p e c i f i c responsibilities by the leadership t e a m . The leadership team might direct the service team to coordinate p r o d u c t i o n of a P e r c e n t a g e Living d e v o t i o n a l , for e x a m p l e , o r t o o r g a n i z e activities a s s o c i a t e d w i t h t h e f o u r P e r c e n t a g e Living w o r s h i p s e r v i c e s . H a v e t h e l e a d e r s h i p t e a m c h o o s e t h e chair of t h e s e r v i c e t e a m , a n d w o r k w i t h t h a t p e r s o n t o recruit t h e o t h e r m e m b e r s of t h e t e a m . T h e role of t h e l e a d e r s h i p t e a m will b e t o offer t h e s e r v i c e t e a m g u i d a n c e , receive service t e a m reports and updates, and work with s e r v i c e t e a m m e m b e r s t o e n s u r e t h e s u c c e s s of P e r c e n t a g e L i v i n g . O n e of t h e s e r v i c e t e a m ' s t a s k s s h o u l d b e t o s e n d a letter t o every c h u r c h h o u s e h o l d t h a t i n t r o d u c e s P e r c e n t a g e Living a n d g i v e s p e o p l e an idea of w h a t m e m b e r s of t h e c o n g r e g a t i o n will b e e x p l o r i n g t o g e t h e r in t h e c o m i n g w e e k s . (A s a m p l e letter is i n c l u d e d o n p a g e 7 of this insert.)

Giving of Our Spiritual Gifts—embracing the spiritual gifts that God has entrusted to each of us so that we may be blessed, bless others, and bless the ministry of the church. Honoring God with Our Use of Money—learning, understanding, and deciding how to use money in a God-honoring way. Together, we're going to take a fresh look at each of these ways of giving. On the fourth Sunday, worship will include an opportunity to commit anew in these four areas. Please join me in praying for God's guidance as we as a congregation consider what it means to give joyfully to God—overflowing with generosity and thanks for all of the blessings God has poured into our lives. With you in Christ's service, [stewardship leader's signature] [stewardship leader's name and title]

S 2012 Ecumenical Stewardship Center. Produced by and (or churches in C a n a d a and the U.S.A. Printed on recycled paper. Printed in the U.S.A.

To order letterhead, s e e the "Theme Materials" ad on the back cover of this magazine.

2 Giving

Giving 7

Abundant Joy, Overflowing Generosity

Weekly Giving Guide it

0$

r

„_. _

TBI

m,

18,000

1,500

346

14.00

21.00

28.00

35.00

42.00

52.00

25,000

2,083

481

19.00

29.00

38.00

48.00

58.00

72.00

30,000

2,500

577

23.00

35.00

46.00

58.00

69.00

87.00

40,000

3,333

769

31.00

46.00

62.00

77.00

92.00

115.00

45,000

3,750

865

35.00

52.00

69.00

87.00

104.00

130.00

50,000

4,167

962

38.00

58.00

77.00

96.00

115.00

144.00

60,000

5,000

1,154

46.00

69.00

92.00

115.00

138.00

173.00

75,000

6,250

1,442

58.00

87.00

115.00

144.00

173.00

216.00

100,000

8,333

1,923

77.00

115.00

154.00

192.00

231.00

288.00

125,000

10,417

2,404

96.00

144.00

192.00

240.00

288.00

361.00

150,000

12,500

2,885

115.00

173.00

231.00

289.00

346.00

433.00

175,000

14,583

3,365

135.00

202.00

269.00

337,00

404.00

505.00

200,000

16,667

3,846

154.00

231.00

308.00

385.00

462.00

577.00

225,000

18,750

4,327

173.00

260.00

346.00

433.00

519.00

649.00

W i t h a g r a t e f u l heart f o r G o d ' s b o u n d l e s s g e n e r o s i t y a n d as a n e x p r e s s i o n of m y C h r i s t i a n s t e w a r d s h i p , I m a k e t h i s c o m m i t m e n t t o C h r i s t ' s c h u r c h a n d t h e m i n i s t r y of this c o n g r e g a t i o n . per w e e k , or per m o n t h , or per y e a r

- 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 (NRSV)

Date

Address Phone

Paul lays it o n t h e line. He u r g e s t h e believers in C o r i n t h t o g i v e g e n e r o u s l y a n d joyfully:

Paul h o l d s u p f o r t h e C o r i n t h i a n s t h e e x a m p l e of a b u n d a n t giving b y a g r o u p of p e o p l e w h o are living o n t h e e d g e , w h o d o n ' t h a v e t h e material w e a l t h t h a t ' s usually a s s o c i a t e d w i t h a b u n d a n t g i v i n g . B u t t h e y give a n y w a y , gladly, d e c i d e d l y , a n d w i t h generosity.

I u n d e r s t a n d t h a t I m a y a d j u s t t h i s e s t i m a t e of giving at a n y t i m e b y c o n t a c t i n g t h e f i n a n c e secretary. Name

Percentage Living: Growing Disciples Who Give in the Local Church W e w a n t y o u t o k n o w , b r o t h e r s a n d s i s t e r s , a b o u t t h e g r a c e of G o d t h a t h a s b e e n g r a n t e d t o t h e c h u r c h e s of M a c e d o n i a ; f o r d u r i n g a s e v e r e o r d e a l of a f f l i c t i o n , their a b u n d a n t j o y a n d t h e i r e x t r e m e p o v e r t y h a v e o v e r f l o w e d in a w e a l t h of g e n e r o s i t y o n their part. For, as I c a n testify, t h e y v o l u n t a r i l y g a v e a c c o r d i n g t o their m e a n s , a n d e v e n b e y o n d their m e a n s , b e g g i n g us earnestly f o r t h e privilege of s h a r i n g in this ministry t o t h e s a i n t s — a n d t h i s , not m e r e l y as w e e x p e c t e d ; t h e y g a v e t h e m s e l v e s first t o t h e L o r d a n d , b y t h e will of G o d , t o us, s o t h a t w e m i g h t urge T i t u s t h a t , as he h a d a l r e a d y m a d e a b e g i n n i n g , s o he s h o u l d also c o m p l e t e t h i s g e n e r o u s u n d e r t a k i n g a m o n g y o u . N o w a s y o u e x c e l in e v e r y t h i n g —in f a i t h , in s p e e c h , in k n o w l e d g e , in u t m o s t e a g e r n e s s , a n d in o u r love f o r y o u — s o w e w a n t y o u t o e x c e l also in t h i s g e n e r o u s undertaking. - 2 C o r i n t h i a n s 8:1-7 (NRSV)

Sample Commitment Card

M y / o u r c o m m i t m e n t is: $ $ $

- 2 Corinthians 8:1-7 (NRSV)

T h e M a c e d o n i a n s g a v e in a w a y t h a t still inspires us t o d a y . T h e y g a v e not o n l y of m o n e y , b u t m o s t i m p o r t a n t l y of t h e m s e l v e s : first a n d f o r e m o s t t h e y g a v e t h e m s e l v e s t o t h e L o r d . O n c e t h e y d i d t h a t , t h e rest w a s . . . e a s y ? Easier? M a y b e t h e right w o r d is " p o s s i b l e . " It w a s p o s s i b l e . T h i s u n d e r t a k i n g of biblical g e n e r o s i t y w a s p o s s i b l e f o r t h e m . A n d it c a n b e f o r us as w e l l .

Email a d d r e s s

P l e a s e c o n t a c t m e / u s r e g a r d i n g h o w t o i n c l u d e t h i s c o n g r e g a t i o n in m y / o u r will or e s t a t e p l a n n i n g .

Percentage Living is adapted from a program created by Gary Marsh, director of stewardship for the Moravian Church.

© 2 0 1 2 Ecumenical Stewardship Center. Produced by a n d for churches in C a n a d a and the U.S.A. Printed on recycled paper. Printed in the U.S.A.

To order commitment cards, s e e the "Theme Materials" ad on on the back cover of this magazine.

© 2012 Ecumenical Stewardship Center, 12541 Madison Street NE, Blaine, MN 55446 Phone/Fax: (855) 278-4372; Email: [email protected]; Website: www.stewardshipresources.org. Permission is granted to reproduce any portion of this insert for use in your congregation.

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