Hi Everyone,

    I am decidedly unlike Jesus.  (You don't have to say AMEN quite so loudly!)  I am most unlike Jesus, when it come to teaching and preaching about money/stewardship.  This topic is something that I abhor with a passion.  Why?  Because I never want my words to seem self-serving.  However, the growing financial crisis in our church is forcing me to address this issue and I hope to do so with the same forthrightness and integrity that Jesus brought to the subject.  (If you doubt the volume of material that Jesus spoke about money/stewardship, stop in my office sometime and I will gladly show you a book devoted to the subject of Jesus' teachings in this area.)

    Let me begin by saying, "that if re-prioritizing your spending would mean taking food off your table or clothes off your back, then please ignore this article and proceed on to the rest of the news items."  On the other hand, if you are like most of us, we can find a few dollars here and there that are discretionary spending.  The importance of this rests in the fact that the church's reserves have been depleted and spending has been pared to the bare minimum.  In a separate letter from Jeff Van Loon, a more comprehensive detailing of the situation, needs, and plan of action is forthcoming, but in advance of that letter, I want you to ask yourself:

    Is a Big Mac Extra Value Meal a week or some similar expense, really necessary? 

    Do I spend more on my Sunday lunch after church, than I put in the offering plate?

    Do I spend more on my leisure/recreation than I do on contributing to the church?

    Is it possible for me to re-prioritize my spending in order to add $5 more a week to the church per family member?

    AND one more question:  Why is being average in life condemnable and being average in church laudable?  I have never heard someone say, "My aspirations are to merely be average."  We would look upon that person with contempt for lack of initiative; yet, in the church, it is mind boggling to think where we would be if everyone aspired to be merely average in his/her givings.  

    Are you aware that the average pledge to our church in 2009 is $2269?  That is wonderful! That is fantastic!  Unfortunately, there are only 58 family units that pledged for this year.  Someone recently said to me, "We don't have the big givers (named a few deceased members who were known for their generosity) to bail us out anymore."  (Never mind that this person nor anyone else outside of the Treasurer, knew what those people did or did not do.)  My response to the assertions went something like this, "We don't need one or two people to step forth and write a check to bail us out.  What we need is merely more people being average."

    I intentionally distance myself from knowing who gives what to the church.  In some studies, this is considered unadvisable, but my reasoning is pretty sound.  I want to treat all of you the same.  Regardless of whether a person is only able to give $2 a week or 50 times that much a week, my ministry to that person and family should be the same.

    My sister sent me a cute little cartoon with a very pungent question in the text:  Why does the waitress get 15% and God only gets 10%?  Interesting question since national studies indicate that church givings are approximately 2.5%!  Maybe Malachi 3:8-10 might be the answer.

    Let me close this most difficult topic with these words.  I know that there are those of you out there who have suffered job losses and other financial setbacks.  If increasing your contributions to the church will require you to take food off your table or cutback on any true necessity, then wait until better times come your way, AND THEN make up for what you were unable to do before.  With regrets, I send this notice to you.  Dave

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FROM THE RICE FAMILY ---- ALY'S GRADUATION PARTY --- A CHURCH INVITATION

    Everyone is welcomed!  It will be on July 11th starting at 1pm.  Thanks,   Dawn

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SUNDAY-MONDAY -  NO PROGRAM THIS WEEK DUE TO THE HOLIDAY WEEKEND.  WE WILL RETURN TO OUR SCHEDULE NEXT WEEK, JULY 13TH.  THANKS

 This past Monday, the kids made apple crisps and cards for three of our members.  Below is the thank you note: 

Thank you:  From Barb and Sam Shellhorn, Martha House, and Alma Benson for cards, prayers and thoughts.  Thank you to Bible School kids for cards and apple crisp - it was delicious!

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The July Bible Study will meet at 10am on July 7th for Discussion Two "What Kind of God do we believe in? Have a great week. Blessings, Elva

 Feed My Sheep - July 23 -  please pray for this wonderful outreach!!

 Praise Team Worship Service  -  7:00 pm July 26- Theme:   HOPE

    Please reach out to the unchurched or even those who are reluctant to be involved with a traditional church service.  Our church is blessed to have such fine and dedicated young people who selflessly give their time and efforts to enable our church to provide an alternative worship style.

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Do you have a Facebook account?  Through the efforts of Carissa Szymczak, our church's information and activities are now being posted there.  This is just one more avenue that will allow the outside world to connect with us.

Additionally, Cindy Namerow is working to get our church's programs listed with MedinaCountyEvents.com. 

 THIS WEEK'S SERVICE

    We will continue the movie and scripture theme with a glimpse at The Patriot and John 15: 1-13.  Also, we will celebrate the Sacrament of Holy Communion this Sunday.

     Have a wonderful holiday weekend and know that the Lord never takes a holiday from you.  Dave.

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