September is always an exciting time in the year of the church. Programs for the school year are starting back up and children and adults are encouraged to plug in to ministries of worship, learn, connect, and care. As you or your family members dive into a new or annual activity, it’s a good time to reflect on how you are serving God while serving one another.
Also in the September 2016 issue:
- Fall Program Start Dates
- Worship Calendar
- Stories of Transform: Adrian Laffittee, Steve and Ann Genrich
- Tim Schaefer Returns to Teach Crossways
- Infertility or Loss Support
- Grand Reopening: Fair Trade Coffee Cart
- Journey to Tanzania 2017: Karibuni Sana
- And more!
Billy Graham has been quoted as saying “God has given us two hands, one to receive with and the other to give with.” At Shepherd of the Valley, there are so many ways that we are joined in community and fed by God…through Holy Communion, beautiful music, scripture, and Bible study, just to name a few. At times, it is easy to catch yourself receiving more than giving to God.
Have you ever heard the phrase about giving God your “time, talents, and treasure”? It’s a great starting point for a renewed effort to serve. It’s no accident that time and talent are placed before treasure. After all, giving isn’t just about money, and there’s even a Biblical basis for this.
Read the Parable of the Good Samaritan in Chapter 10 of Luke. You know the story, but go ahead and re-read it anyway. Notice how the Samaritan takes TIME away from his own journey and uses his TALENTS to care for the wounded man. He shares his resources with the man (bandages, oil, and donkey) but the TREASURE of his money doesn’t change hands until the very end with the innkeeper.
