In high school and college, I was safely nestled in the cocoon of my parents’ financial protection. I had no idea how fortunate I was to have my daily needs met and my education provided for me. I thoughtlessly spent every penny I earned from part-time jobs on fun things like clothes, concerts, CD’s, and nights out with friends. When I graduated from college and took a job as the office manager of a Lutheran camp, I was in for a real shock. Although the majority of my paycheck went to paying rent in my pricey (yet crowded) California apartment, I quickly discovered what seemed to be a way to keep enjoying the lifestyle I always had: credit cards! It was amazing. I could walk into a store without a penny to my name, and walk out with something new and shiny, thanks to my plastic companion! Needless to say, that fantasy world didn’t last very long either, and reality soon came knocking at my door in the form of bills that took my breath away. After one tearful night on the phone to my parents, I knew I needed a major lifestyle change. I could not keep living like an irresponsible teenager on a young adult’s meager paycheck. I began the process of learning how to live within my means, and today I continue to live those lessons learned.
For me, it was difficult to learn how to “make it simple.” I had confused many needs with wants for so long. Around the same time I learned financial responsibility, I discovered the powerful practice of personal stewardship in my spiritual life. My Lutheran church began hosting a series on stewardship much like the one we will start on the first of this month at St. Peter’s. At first, I didn’t think the lessons would apply to me since my net worth at the time was less than zero. But, almost like a child, I began learning the joy that came from sharing, even in modest amounts, and it started to feel great. Each month, I began planning where my money was going to go: a certain percentage to rent, a certain percentage to debt payments, and a certain percentage to God! The monthly check to my church was the most freeing and joyful one to write. It was like an act of defiance against the credit card companies and other temptations that had sucked me in before!
I hope you will see this upcoming stewardship campaign as an opportunity to re-evaluate priorities, and re-discover the joy that comes with giving and sharing! No matter how far we’ve come or how many life lessons we’ve learned, God is always seeking to stretch and grow us in new ways. More info is available through the link on the home page, which includes a calendar of events that will take place between now and November 22nd. We hope you will join us in growing and giving joyfully!
Saturday, October 31, 2009
Thanksgiving Eve Worship
Thanksgiving Eve Worship will be held on Wednesday, November 25th at 7 PM. This is a wonderful opportunity for us to worship in thankfulness for all God has given us. Worshipers are encouraged to bring items for the Interfaith Thrift Shop's food pantry. A list of needs is in this month's newsletter.
Make It Simple
In November, we are holding a 4-session stewardship emphasis series entitled "Make It Simple." Below you can find the schedule of events and more information.
Sunday, November 1st - “Following Jesus” - All Saints Sunday
8:45 – Adult Bible Study, 10:00 – Worship
Key Passage: Matt. 6:24-34
Sunday, November 8th - “Facing the Truth” - Thankoffering Sunday
8:45 – Adult Bible Study, 10:00 – Worship
Key Passage: Mark 4:37-41
Sunday, November 8th - “Acting Together”
8:45 – Adult Bible Study, 10:00 – Worship
Key Passage: John 13:31-35
Sunday, November 22nd - “Sharing Enough” -Commitment Sunday
8:45 – Adult Bible Study, 10:00 – Worship, 11:15 – Mexican Fiesta!
Key Passage: Luke 5:1-11
“Make It Simple” Stewardship Series – Frequently Asked Questions
Why Commit?
Perhaps some of you are wondering why we are doing a special stewardship campaign this year, when we have not for so many years. The first reason is that each follower of Christ has a need to give, and when people are invited to reflect on this spiritual practice, they will grow in faith and in commitment to God. The second reason is that the council believes that the church will benefit from this. Numerous studies have shown that those who think about their giving and are intentional about what they give end up giving more faithfully and more joyfully than those who give with little thought or attention to what is being given. Additionally, the council thinks that it will be helpful to our leadership to have an estimate of what people are planning to give as the 2010 budget is drafted and submitted for approval.
An Estimate of Giving
Perhaps it will be more helpful for some of you to think of your 2010 commitment as an Estimate of Giving. When you bring forward your estimate of giving card on Commitment Sunday (November 22), it is only an estimate. Of course, financial situations can change unexpectedly and we understand that. You will not be pressured by anyone from the church to fulfill your obligation if your circumstances should change. The estimate is helpful to the church as we prepare the 2010 budget, but most importantly it is a commitment between you and your God.
What if I Can't Commit?
Some people, due to personal circumstances, will not feel comfortable filling out a 2010 estimate of giving. We want to reassure people that this is okay. Please participate in the four weeks of the stewardship program with an open mind, and let God speak to your heart about the practice of stewardship. If, at the end of the campaign, you are not comfortable making a commitment, that is your choice and nobody will come knocking on your door asking you why you did not pledge. The main point of the stewardship campaign is to educate the people about stewardship and to get every member to think prayerfully about their commitments.
Sunday, November 1st - “Following Jesus” - All Saints Sunday
8:45 – Adult Bible Study, 10:00 – Worship
Key Passage: Matt. 6:24-34
Sunday, November 8th - “Facing the Truth” - Thankoffering Sunday
8:45 – Adult Bible Study, 10:00 – Worship
Key Passage: Mark 4:37-41
Sunday, November 8th - “Acting Together”
8:45 – Adult Bible Study, 10:00 – Worship
Key Passage: John 13:31-35
Sunday, November 22nd - “Sharing Enough” -Commitment Sunday
8:45 – Adult Bible Study, 10:00 – Worship, 11:15 – Mexican Fiesta!
Key Passage: Luke 5:1-11
“Make It Simple” Stewardship Series – Frequently Asked Questions
Why Commit?
Perhaps some of you are wondering why we are doing a special stewardship campaign this year, when we have not for so many years. The first reason is that each follower of Christ has a need to give, and when people are invited to reflect on this spiritual practice, they will grow in faith and in commitment to God. The second reason is that the council believes that the church will benefit from this. Numerous studies have shown that those who think about their giving and are intentional about what they give end up giving more faithfully and more joyfully than those who give with little thought or attention to what is being given. Additionally, the council thinks that it will be helpful to our leadership to have an estimate of what people are planning to give as the 2010 budget is drafted and submitted for approval.
An Estimate of Giving
Perhaps it will be more helpful for some of you to think of your 2010 commitment as an Estimate of Giving. When you bring forward your estimate of giving card on Commitment Sunday (November 22), it is only an estimate. Of course, financial situations can change unexpectedly and we understand that. You will not be pressured by anyone from the church to fulfill your obligation if your circumstances should change. The estimate is helpful to the church as we prepare the 2010 budget, but most importantly it is a commitment between you and your God.
What if I Can't Commit?
Some people, due to personal circumstances, will not feel comfortable filling out a 2010 estimate of giving. We want to reassure people that this is okay. Please participate in the four weeks of the stewardship program with an open mind, and let God speak to your heart about the practice of stewardship. If, at the end of the campaign, you are not comfortable making a commitment, that is your choice and nobody will come knocking on your door asking you why you did not pledge. The main point of the stewardship campaign is to educate the people about stewardship and to get every member to think prayerfully about their commitments.
Youth Group Offers Babysitting
Need a babysitter so you can do your holiday shopping or decorating? Look no further! St. Peter’s Senior High Youth Group is offering a day of babysitting.
Date: Saturday, November 28, 6AM-4PM.
Cost: $2 per hour per child
Location: St. Peter Lutheran Church – 422 N. Pierce St., Delphos
Call 419-231-2121 (Stacy) by 11/24/09 to schedule your time.
You must RSVP to attend…Limited Openings Available…Call Soon!
Snacks and Lunch will be provided.
Age-appropriate games and activities!
Proceeds will benefit the youth group!
Date: Saturday, November 28, 6AM-4PM.
Cost: $2 per hour per child
Location: St. Peter Lutheran Church – 422 N. Pierce St., Delphos
Call 419-231-2121 (Stacy) by 11/24/09 to schedule your time.
You must RSVP to attend…Limited Openings Available…Call Soon!
Snacks and Lunch will be provided.
Age-appropriate games and activities!
Proceeds will benefit the youth group!
Pizza Hut FUNdraiser
The Fellowship/Outreach committee is hosting another Pizza Hut FUNdraiser on Sunday, November 15th. To participate, simply dine in (or carry out) at Pizza Hut between the hours of 11 AM and 9 PM, and present a coupon (available from the church) when you pay. 10% of your purchase will go back to the church. It’s that easy!
And there’s more great news - you can take copies of the coupon and give them to friends and family to use on our behalf. Won’t you help us spread the word and get as many people as possible to join us on the 15th?
All proceeds will benefit the work of the Inreach/Outreach committee, which works to create opportunities for fellowship and outreach for our church.
And there’s more great news - you can take copies of the coupon and give them to friends and family to use on our behalf. Won’t you help us spread the word and get as many people as possible to join us on the 15th?
All proceeds will benefit the work of the Inreach/Outreach committee, which works to create opportunities for fellowship and outreach for our church.
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