Consecration Sunday
Dear Pender family,
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 means to help people grow spiritually in their relationship with God by supporting their church’s mission and ministry with a percentage of their income.
Pender’s stewardship committee has selected New Consecration Sunday Stewardship Program as a way to invite us all to embrace the biblical and spiritual principles of generous giving in our stewardship emphasis this year.
New Consecration Sunday is based on the biblical teaching 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 our congregants as followers of Jesus Christ who want to give unselfishly as an act of discipleship. New Consecration Sunday encourages people toward proportionate and habitual 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 members and attendees to make their financial commitments to our church’s missionary, benevolent, and educational ministries in this community and around the world, as well as to our operating expenses.
Every attendee and member who completes an Estimate of Giving card does so voluntarily by attending morning worship on Consecration Sunday. We strongly encourage you to attend even if you are opposed to completing a card. The procedure is done in such a way that no one feels personal embarrassment if she or he chooses not to fill out a card.
We will do no home solicitation to ask people to complete cards. During morning worship our guest leader will conduct a brief period of inspiration and instruction, climaxed by congregants making their commitments as a confidential act of worship.
Over the next few weeks, our Consecration Sunday team and governing board members will encourage participation in Consecration Sunday events. Since we will make no follow-up visits, we will make every effort to inform, inspire, and encourage everyone to attend the Consecration Sunday service.
Thank you in advance for your enthusiastic participation in our Consecration Sunday events.
Pender Stewardship Committee Chairperson,
Greg Berry