We are a Christian community practicing discipleship as we worship, learn and serve.
Faith is a living, bold trust in God's grace, so certain of God's favor that it would risk death a thousand times trusting in it. Such confidence and knowledge of God's grace makes you happy, joyful and bold in your relationship to God and all creatures. The Holy Spirit makes this happen through faith. Because of it, you freely, willingly and joyfully do good to everyone, serve everyone, suffer all kinds of things, love and praise the God who has shown you such grace. - Martin Luther
'Tis "stewardship season" in many congregations, including CtK, as if choosing how we use our time, money, energy and talents only happens during one "season" for a few weeks. But still - better to have the conversation only occasionally than to fail to have it at all. Grant had a lot to say about stewardship this morning - about Scripture's call for us to give intentionally, first, regularly, proportionally and cheerfully (hope I'm not forgetting any of those adverbs). It's good stuff. Thinking and making decisions about how we give is good for us - we give because we need to give - to keep things in perspective and our priorities clear. After all, where our treasure is, our hearts will be also: our hearts follow our money, no matter how much we tell ourselves it's the other way around. And here in the US, our hearts can get pretty stuck on "stuff." If you've never seen The Story of Stuff, I encourage you to watch it - it's about 20 minutes long, and hopefully it will help you see with new eyes how much "stuff" matters. Here's a preview...
O Lord our governor, your glory shines throughout the world. We commend our nation to your merciful care,that we may live securely in peace and may be guided by your providence. Give all in authority, especially president elect Barak Obama and vice president elect Joseph Biden the wisdom and strength to know your will and to do it. Help them remember that they are called to serve the people as lovers of truth and justice; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen!
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