Start Living Generously | Trietsch Memorial UMC

Why Should I Give?

Giving is a spiritual practice just like prayer or reading scripture. The Bible says it is God who gives us the strength, knowledge, and ability to earn a living. "But you shall remember the LORD your God, for it is He who is giving you power to make wealth, that He may confirm His covenant..." (Deuteronomy 8:18, NASB).

God has blessed us with everything we have for a reason. We need to recognize that God is our provider and that what we have doesn’t belong to us.

Visit TMUMC.ORG/give to learn ways to make a donation or tithe with Trietsch.

How do I live generously?

Generosity is truly more pleasant and life-giving than we may imagine. And it's truly simpler than we may realize. Here is what it looks like: live gratefully, spend wisely and give generously.

Gratitude brings life and offers hope. Gratitude leads to joy and fulfillment. Gratitude allows us to be cheerful and kind. When we discover how to be thankful in all circumstances we can begin the journey toward true generosity.

Our spending can sometimes lead us toward selfishness and discontent. It can also cause us personal harm if we're not careful. Often, our financial stress is not due to lack of funds but rather a lack of self-control. When we learn how to spend wisely we can become more generous.

Generosity is the response to gratitude and contentment. We can be generous because God has first been generous to us. When we understand that God has provided everything we have, we can be more generous. As we discover that life truly is a gift generosity becomes natural and easy.Most of us can step up in our giving. Look at the chart provided to find your present giving level. 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.

What is tithing?

There is a difference between a tithe and an offering.

Tithe: 10% of the “first fruit.” This means it’s off the top! The tithe comes before all other bills and payments.
“All tithes from the land, whether the seed from the ground or the fruit from the tree, are the Lord’s; they are holy to the Lord. If persons wish to redeem any of their tithes, they must add one-fifth to them. All tithes of herd and flock, every tenth one that passes under the shepherd’s staff, shall be holy to the Lord.” - Leviticus 27:30-32 (NRSV)
Offering: Extra giving to God above and beyond the tithe.
“bringing there your burnt offerings and your sacrifices, your tithes and your donations, your votive gifts, your freewill offerings, and the firstlings of your herds and flocks.” - Deuteronomy 12:6 (NRSV)

Why is tithing important?

It gives God control of our lives
It opens our lives to the blessings of God
It shares grace with others

We understand that immediately starting with a 10% tithe can feel impossible. Take baby steps and be in prayer. Talk to God about living generously and ask God to open your heart to the good that comes from giving and gratitude.

Start with 2%

Set a proportion of income giving. Start with 2% of your income and then set a goal to increase your giving by 2% every 6 months until you reach a tithe.

A 5-Day Guide to Prayerful Giving

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. Look at the chart provided to find your present giving level. 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 ________

Start Giving