Generosity
“I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing.”
John 15:1-5
Recently, gatherings were held for discussions about God’s grace centered on Jesus from John 15. We have a relationship with Jesus because of God’s great grace, and because of God’s grace we have our church. Out of these discussions came the following descriptions of this grace in our midst.
Experienced Grace at Hopewell: support in times of crisis, visitation, inviting, Circle, Disciple Class, prayer group, sincerity, worship, forgiveness, Camp Grier, Montreat,
See Grace at Work at Hopewell: look out for one another, giving of gifts and time to help ministries and programs, care for all ages, Scouting, baptisms, Happy Knitters, Graduation breakfasts, care at funerals, willing teachers, youth programs, flexibility
How Hopewell Can Show Grace: more gatherings for fellowship, welcoming visitors, work on relationships, serve others, express gratitude, study, give back, humility,
Ways Grace at Work in Community through Hopewell: Deacons caring for neighbor, Angels and Sparrows support, Caterpillar Ministries, La Escuelita, Habitat, Mission Trips, Technology for Worship at home, Camp Grier, softball teams, fall festival
These just touch the surface. God’s grace for us runs deep.
Take time to consider God’s grace in your life. How is God calling you to give financially in the coming year? I’m thankful for your support of the church and invite you to consider making a pledge this year to help in our planning.
Our hope and prayer is that your giving is a source of blessing and joy in your life.
Why is giving important?
The Bible has much to say about wisdom and finances, with 2,300 verses that tell us to be generous and good stewards of our resources. Jesus taught generosity and sacrifice. He demanded that his followers serve not wealth, but God, and in the parable of the talents, he taught that God will hold us each accountable for what we do with all our earthly possessions.