Consecration Sunday
Sunday September 27th
This Sunday!
One Service at 10:45 a.m. in the FLC
Catered Lunch to follow
Congregations that approach financial stewardship from a biblical perspective do not view the money Christians give to their church merely as a way to pay its bills. Rather, such congregations see financial contributions as a way to help people grow spiritually in their relationship with God by supporting their church’s mission and ministry with a percentage of their incomes.
Our congregation’s finance committee has selected the Consecration Sunday Stewardship Program as a way to teach the biblical and spiritual principles of generous giving in our stewardship education emphasis this year.
Consecration Sunday is based on the biblical philosophy of the need of the giver to give for his or her own spiritual development, rather than on the need of the church to receive. Instead of treating people like members of a social club who should pay dues, we will treat people like followers of Jesus Christ who want to give unselfishly as an act of discipleship. Consecration Sunday encourages people toward proportionate and systematic giving in response to the question, “What percentage of my income is God calling me to give?”
During morning worship on Consecration Sunday, we are asking our attendees and members to make their financial commitments to our church’s missionary, benevolent, and educational ministries in this community and around the world.
Stewardship Prayer
WEEK #1: GOD OWNS EVERYTHING
Scripture: Psalm 24:1-2
The earth is the Lord’s and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it, for he founded it upon the seas and established it upon the waters.
Reflection: What does it mean to you that Go owns all things? How does this change how you view your time and finances?
Action: Spend a few minutes each day thanking God for specific blessings in your life and surrendering control of your resources back to him.
WEEK #2 GENEROSITY BRINGS JOY
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 9:6-8
Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.
Reflection: When have you felt joy from giving something away? Is the condition of your heart filled with a sense of abundance and gratitude rather than a sense of duty or scarcity?
Action: Do one unexpected act of kindness for someone this week without asking or expecting anything in return.
WEEK #3 PUTTING GOD FIRST
Scripture: Proverbs 3:9-10
Honor the Lord with your wealth, with the first fruits of your crops; Then your barns will be filled to overflowing, and your vats will brim over with new wine.
Reflection: What does giving our “first and best” look like for you right now? How might you be holding back your best gifts from God? How can you change that?
Action: Review your personal budget or schedule, and adjust one area to make sure God gets your first attention and resources.
WEEK #4 TREASURES IN HEAVEN
Scripture: Matthew 6:19-21
Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy and where thieves do not break in and Steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will also be.
Reflection: How can we keep our focus on eternal results instead of just meeting a financial goal or need? Does the present condition of your heart block God’s guidance and direction in your life regarding the giving of time and resources?
Action: Write a simple prayer asking God to change one aspect of your heart as you enter into the decision making time for your financial giving to the church.
