Stewardship, New Bible Study, and Adult Education Opportunities

Stewardship is...

“everything I do, after I say, ‘I believe!’” This statement has been a guiding definition for me when it comes to how I understand a Christian’s response to God’s grace. As people of faith, we understand God as the source of all things, meaning everything we have (life, breath, goods, family, home, etc.) is graciously given from God, and everything we do (speech, actions, relationships, etc.) becomes our response. It can be hard to remember everything is a gift when our patience with family members runs thin, when finances are tight, and our concern turns inward toward our own sense of comfort or well-being.

This month, I invite you to consider your stewardship of God’s gifts in your life. No, not simply your financial offerings to the church, but a more wholistic look to your response to all God has done and is doing in your life. Specifically, I’d invite you to dwell on these three questions:

What helps you recognize the God given gifts in your life?

What internal and external distractions hinder recognizing all that comes from God?

How can I live into an attitude of gratitude for all God has done for me?

Stewardship Update

While our Hope Stewardship Relay continues into the month of October, it is important to keep everyone apprised of our current General Fund Income vs. Expenses. As we move into the fall months it is common for our income to be lagging our expenses, and this year is no different. Hope’s leadership desires to be transparent in communicating where we are at, while also recognizing your generosity as we’ve raised approximately $184,000 for our Renewing Hope’s Promise Capital Appeal. You can see below figures from our month end financial report from August:

Total Income: 347,499.18

Total Expense: 393,065.19

Net Surplus/Deficit -45,566.01

New Lectionary Bible Study

Join me (Pastor Matt) every week on Tuesday at 12:00 Noon for an hour of Bible Study. Each week we will study a couple of the scripture lessons assigned for the upcoming Sunday. We will dive deep into the text to help understand the context of the narrative arc, what commands (law) and promises (gospel) each text might have for the people of God, and most importantly, what the text might have for us today. This is a study for any and all who have a desire to discuss and learn from each other, whether you are new to the practice or have studied the Bible for decades. There is no need to prepare ahead of time, but you are welcome to if you like! We will meet initially at Hope in the double classroom but may also seek space next door at May Creek to be able to include members there.

Adult Education Opportunities

There has been a growing interest among the people of Hope for more Adult Education. In response we are in the beginning steps of imagining how we can more effectively provide opportunities that are substantive and meaningful. If you have a topic you would like to learn more about or have an area of expertise or experience you are willing to share in an adult forum setting, please let us know.

Pastor Matt