Did you know that we regularly receive calls at the church office from people who are looking for assistance? Some are looking for cash to put in the gas tank. Others are looking for funds to help with groceries or utilities.
This week, I received a call from a woman on the verge of eviction. A series of health issues have put her a few months behind in paying her rent. Because of your generosity to God’s mission, we were able to put $600 toward her overdue amount and keep her in her home.
Did you know that our congregation pledged to give ten percent of our income for the Share the Light capital campaign away as a tithe? Because of your financial generosity, we were recently able to send a $10,000 donation to Lutheran Disaster Response to help with the earthquake recovery efforts in Turkey and Syria. Our gift is delivering “critical aid like food, tents, sleeping bags, and winter clothing. [Our gift] will reach children, women, and men with the care they need right now, helping them endure immediate hardships and easing their suffering.” Read more about Lutheran Disaster Response here: https://lwr.org/turkey-earthquakes.
Did you know that this Sunday, several areas of our building will be transformed into living quarters? A team of volunteers will prepare to welcome our Family Promise guests by creating bedrooms, a living room, and a dining area, and then throughout the week will provide meals, crafts, conversation, and overnight hosting. Family Promise seeks to “empower families, who are experiencing housing instability or homelessness, to build a sustainable foundation of independence through a continuum of support services.” Read more here: https://www.familypromisebutlercountyoh.org/mission-vision. Because of your generosity, we are able to give these families a place to land during this uncertain season of their lives and envelope them with the incredible hospitality that Lord of Life has to offer.
Did you know that God loves you with an unconditional and everlasting love? Yes, “we love because God first loved us” (1 John 4:19), but unlike the rest of your life, God’s love for you isn’t dependent on how generous and kind you are, how you perform in daily activities, or even how you measure up against your own vision of who you are or who you want be. God’s love is based on how loving and generous God is! The apostle Paul says it this way, “I’m absolutely convinced that nothing—nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable—absolutely nothing can get between us and God’s love because of the way that Jesus our Master has embraced us” (Romans 3:38-39 The Message). What a generous and loving God!
Okay, one more… Did you know that I am grateful to be your pastor? Your generosity, servant attitude, kindness, and compassion are a daily blessing to me. Your grace-filled lives and pursuit of loving and caring for others reminds me of our shared purpose and mission while fueling me with hope for what God is up to in our community. Thank you. I am blessed to be living, sharing, and celebrating the love of Jesus as we journey in faith together.
In the coming weeks, watch your mailbox, social media, and worship moments for more celebrations and invitations about our personal and collective generosity.
I praise God for you!
Pastor Lowell