Joyful Generosity

Today, think about your income and all that it represents—warm home, delicious food, effective education, purposeful car, comfortable furniture, family entertainment, and personal security. Thank God in prayer for what God has provided you. 

My income is $________ per ________ 

Today, think about Trietsch Memorial UMC and how your faith is enriched here. Think about the lives our church touches for children, youth, and adults. Think about our mission outreach and our wonderful worship experiences. Think about how our church leads people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ. Thank God in prayer for the ministry of Trietsch. 

My present offering is $________ per ________ 

Most of us can step up in our giving. What would it mean to increase your giving? Remember, God never asks us to do anything more than we can—simply our best. Thank God for offering the best thing—his Son. 

Today, think about what it would mean to tithe—literally give God the “first-fruit” of our income. Some feel that tithing means having 10% less. God says, “Put me to the test…see if I will not pour down for you an overflowing blessing.” Consider moving up to the tithe. Thank God for giving us an overflowing blessing in life. 

A tithe for me would be $________ per ________ 

Today, ask God for wisdom and guidance. Follow God’s lead, knowing that you want to offer a gift of thanks to God for an amazing life and a wonderful church that makes disciples for Jesus Christ. Thank God that you are a part of what God is doing through Trietsch Memorial UMC. 

My pledge for the upcoming year will be $________ per ________

When we discover how to be thankful in all circumstances we can begin the journey toward true generosity. What if…?

“...Jesus turned to the woman and said to Simon, “Do you see this woman? When I entered your home, you didn’t give me water for my feet, but she wet my feet with tears and wiped them with her hair. You didn’t greet me with a kiss, but she hasn’t stopped kissing my feet since I came in. You didn’t anoint my head with oil, but she has poured perfumed oil on my feet. This is why I tell you that her many sins have been forgiven; so she has shown great love. The one who is forgiven little loves little.” Then Jesus said to her, “Your sins are forgiven.” The other table guests began to say among themselves, “Who is this person that even forgives sins?” Jesus said to the woman, “Your faith has saved you. Go in peace."" - Luke 7:36-50 (CEB)

When we learn how to spend wisely we can become more generous. What if…?

 “Someone from the crowd said to him, “Teacher, tell my brother to divide the inheritance with me.” Jesus said to him, “Man, who appointed me as judge or referee between you and your brother?” Then Jesus said to them, “Watch out! Guard yourself against all kinds of greed. After all, one’s life isn’t determined by one’s possessions, even when someone is very wealthy.” Then he told them a parable: “A certain rich man’s land produced a bountiful crop. He said to himself, What will I do? I have no place to store my harvest! Then he thought, Here’s what I’ll do. I’ll tear down my barns and build bigger ones. That’s where I’ll store all my grain and goods. I’ll say to myself, You have stored up plenty of goods, enough for several years. Take it easy! Eat, drink, and enjoy yourself. But God said to him, ‘Fool, tonight you will die. Now who will get the things you have prepared for yourself?’ This is the way it will be for those who hoard things for themselves and aren’t rich toward God.” - Luke 12:13-21

When we discover that life truly is a gift, generosity becomes natural and easy. What if…?

“Looking up, Jesus saw rich people throwing their gifts into the collection box for the temple treasury. He also saw a poor widow throw in two small copper coins worth a penny. He said, “I assure you that this poor widow has put in more than them all. All of them are giving out of their spare change. But she from her hopeless poverty has given everything she had to live on." - Luke 21:1-4 (CEB)