November 8 – Treasure Chest 2
Weekly Treasure Chest
It even could be more, but never should be smaller.
For thus the Lord hath said, if we give cheerfully,
The nine-tenths will go farther to meet our every need.
I learned that little ditty when I was in 5th grade and while I didn’t understand the “nine-tenths” thing at that time, I certainly understood “a dime from every dollar.” I wish that I could honestly say that I have been a tither my entire life, but I would be lying. Tithing takes both faith and discipline: faith that God will really make my “nine-tenths go farther” and discipline to learn to dutifully give. And I am a work in progress.
What I have learned from becoming a tither is that it is impossible to out-give God. He will always provide, my job is to believe that He will always provide.
I have also learned that I have a responsibility to be a good steward of all the gifts that God has given to me (including my finances) so tithing is part of my budget. And budgeting isn’t something that comes natural to me…it’s a learned behavior. Around the first of the year my husband (Eddie Black) and I sit down to create our goals for the coming year. During this discussion, we commit to our budget which involves our tithe.
While our tithe goes to support the amazing ministries of St. Paul’s and I am proud to be a part of this Christian community, I still believe that tithing is not about what we give to God, it’s about being faithful to Him. Let’s be realistic, we’re talking about the Creator here, He doesn’t need my dime…He desires my faithfulness.
As I become more faithful to Him and disciplined in my actions, I am blessed beyond measure.
Tracie Kenyon
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November 1 – Treasure Chest
Weekly Treasure Chest
In our case, as part of Methodism, caring for the poor and less fortunate was a principle theme of the founder of Methodism, John Wesley. In Montana, where our own church is one hundred and fifty years old, Brother Van and other early day Montana Methodist preachers carried on the teachings of Jesus. This is true today, as Marianne, Tyler and Rick continue this great Christian tradition.
Like any other human activity that is worthwhile doing, the work of St. Paul’s cost money.
What is really important to my wife and me, and I think also to you, is the outreach of St. Paul’s.
This is in two parts. We do a lot in the community of Helena. God’s Love, Family Promise, Helena Indian Alliance, to name a few. We also make our building available to many organizations in Helena that need a place to hold their meetings.
The other outreach is for programs and activities carried on outside of Helena. One of the missions we support is the United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR). UMCOR moves swiftly into any part of the world where disaster has struck and provides relief to the stricken, without regard too religious affiliation. The point is those people need help and UMCOR helps them.
Or think of the direct outreach to various parts of the world by the members of St. Paul’s. For example, Don Skillman has lead more than one medical mission to the Amazon region of South America. Just this year our Coordinator of Children’s Ministry, Meg White, led a group of youth and adults to a mission in Central America. We have supported a university in South Africa. There are other examples, but you get the idea.
Another main reason that my wife and I are willing to continue supporting the church is the truly outstanding job the church does with its programs for children and youth. From Promiseland, to Children’s Time during the sermons, to the many programs and activities for older children and youth.
All of these many things cost money. All of them are worthwhile and carry on the tradition of carrying out the teachings of that itinerant Jewish preacher who lived two thousand years ago.
For these reasons we will continue to give to St. Paul’s.
Cordell Johnson and Kay Mathews
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October 25 Pastor’s Corner
Starting Sunday, November 1, we will begin a church-wide study and worship emphasis called Treasure: A Stewardship Program on Faith and Money. The study will be based on Jesus’ words, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21).
Over a period of four weeks, we will look at the many ways that our treasure (time, energy, money) affects our hearts. We will consider how financial challenges in our personal lives affect our relationships with people and with God. We will see how giving helps to determine the way we feel and act. If you have stress related to money or feel there may be more that God is calling you to do with your resources, this will be a helpful study.
At the end of the four weeks, we will have the opportunity to make personal commitments of giving to St. Paul’s for the coming year. All of us will receive commitment cards in the mail, and the cards will also be available on Sunday mornings. We can fill out these cards and bring them to worship on Sunday, November 22.
We look forward to an exciting month considering our treasure and God’s treasure.
Schedule for the Treasure series
Week 1: Where Is Your Treasure? (Matthew 6:19-21)
Week 2: The Problem with Two Masters (Matthew 6:24)
Week 3: Giving Your Treasure Back to God (Matthew 6:1-6)
Week 4: Don’t Worry ’Bout a Thing (Matthew 6:25-34)
Enthusiastic Peace,
Pastor Tyler
October 18 Pastor’s Corner
Money affects your heart. Whether you are in plenty or in want, money has a direct connection to your stress level, your anxiety, and the health of your relationships. It is no wonder, then, that Jesus talked about the relationship between our treasure and our hearts as one that can keep us from connecting with God. By seeking a healthy relationship between treasure and heart we create a chance for better relationship with others and with God.
For a four-week period starting November 1, we will look at the many ways that our treasure (time, energy, money) affects our spiritual and emotional lives. Join us in worship November 1 as we begin our new sermon series called Treasure. We will explore Matthew 6 and Jesus’ teachings on money, giving, worry, and more.
At the end of the four weeks, we will have an opportunity to make personal commitments of our offerings to God through our church in the coming year. We will receive commitment cards in the mail, and cards will be available on Sunday mornings. We will bring these commitment cards to worship on Sunday, November 22.
I hope that you’ll join us in the coming weeks as we look at Jesus’ teaching on how we can avoid freedom from some of the common pitfalls related to money, and how we can give our lives and our treasure to God.
Enthusiastic Peace,
Pastor Tyler