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WORSHIP TIMES

What Is Tithing?

STEWARDSHIP  at

EDEN   PRAIRIE

 UNITED  METHODIST  CHURCH

What is Christian Stewardship?

It is our response to the generosity and love, which God has given to us through Jesus Christ.  When we open our hearts and minds to that to that gift, the miracle of sharing engulfs us.

The dictionary says “a steward is a person put in charge of the affairs of a large household, whose duties include managing the household accounts.”

The question that Christ invites his disciples to answer is: “what will you do with what you have been given.”  Stewardship of money and possessions was an important topic of Jesus’ teaching. In the New Testament alone there are 2000 references to money and possessions.  To find out about Biblical models for giving click here.

Our  Stewardship Direction

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"Growing, Making and Sharing"

“Grace-full Giving”.  What does that mean to you?  This represents the theme for our 2004/5 stewardship campaign.   Luke writes, “Give and it will be given to you; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.”  (Luke 6:38)  While each of us experience spiritual growth in different ways, most will agree that spiritual growth intensifies as commitment increases. 

Last year our stewardship campaign focused on the positive aspects of giving from the heart.  We wanted to continue this message and look at stewardship as a way to give generously and with joy in response to the blessings we receive from God. 

As is tradition, we ask that each family set aside an evening to prayerfully consider supporting the ministry of Prairie Church. For many of us, this will be a “head” decision versus a “heart” decision.  However, we can each begin to take steps in giving from the heart.  God has issued a challenge to us all to tithe. This may seem like an impossible challenge, but it is important that we consider moving in that direction. Whether the step towards tithing is big or small, our relationship with God will grow. The good news is that we can take the risk and trust in God. Imagine how “Full” of “Grace” our church could be if we were a tithing church.  Imagine how much “Giving” Prairie Church could provide within our ministries here at church, in our community and the missions we could support.

As we look to October, we will focus our thoughts on stewardship.  You will have the opportunity to make your pledge at church or participate in our neighborhood passing of the basket.  Given either option, your participation is greatly appreciated. 

The stewardship committee hopes that this letter will help to communicate the stewardship plans and encourage you to make a prayerful decision to grow in your relationship with God through “Grace-full Giving”. Let us all remember that we have heard God’s word…

Let us live generously and give gratefully, always, in the name of Christ.

Shalom,

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