God the Giver Program
“Whatever is good and perfect comes down to us from God our Creator, who created all the lights in the heavens. God ever changes or casts a shifting shadow.” James 1:17
Beginning Sunday, October 4, and continuing through Sunday, November 8, your Sunday worship bulletins will include reflections written by Episcopal stewardship leaders across the country covering stewardship and faithful giving in connection with the Gospel reading of the day. These inserts, prepared by the Episcopal Network for Stewardship on the theme “God the Giver,” will explore how acknowledging God’s generosity to us can unleash greater generosity in ourselves.
Archbishop Desmond Tutu in his book, In God’s Hands, says, “This is a God who intervenes on our behalf, not because we deserve it, but because God’s love is freely given. It is grace. It is not earned; it cannot be earned. It does not need to be earned.” God is the Giver, the ultimate lover of all God has created. Your generosity, in response to all God has given you, generates mission and changes lives.
I hope you will enjoy the “God the Giver” series and that it will awaken a new sense of abundance in your life and an increased commitment to living generously. My life is enriched when I give not from a perspective of “what is my fair share,” or even, “what can I afford,” rather, my faith comes alive when I give from a grace filled and grateful heart. Giving generously gives me strength and hope for the journey ahead.
~ Gail Blalock, Stewardship Chair