Stories of Generosity

First United Methodist Church of Gadsden

Media

Stories of Generosity

Lucy Edwards

October 27, 2024 • Lucy Edwards

Lucy Edwards shares information on ways to Give and we take a look at ministries and missions of Gadsden First UMC.

Stories of Generosity

October 20, 2024 • Mollie Horton

We are near the end of our 2025 Generosity Emphasis. During the month of October, we are looking at response to Jesus, as found in the gospel of Luke. The characters who we meet along the way cause us to pause and wonder, “How would I respond?” As you consider your response, be sure to stop by the information table in the Chestnut Street lobby. There you will find visuals to foster deeper connection with the scriptures from Luke. If you have not received information about the emphasis in the mail, contact the church office. In the information was a 2025 estimate of giving card. On the card you will not only find a space to share your estimate of giving for the coming year, but also a space to faithfully renew your commitment to support the church with your prayers, presence, gifts, service and witness. Why do we have a Generosity Emphasis with estimate of giving cards? Like other nonprofits or agencies, we estimate how we will fund our budget. It gives the leadership the ability to plan for the year ahead. Please know that the estimate of giving cards are not legally binding and are kept confidentially within the church office. There is also an online version which can be found on our church website. You may turn in your card directly to the church office, in the offering plate, or complete the online version throughout this month. As of this Monday, October 14, we have $118,472 committed to our 2025 general fund budget. Thank you for your generosity and for those of you who have already submitted your card. How will you respond? Rev. Sherri

Stories of Generosity

October 13, 2024 • Grover Kitchens

By now you should have received your 2025 Generosity Emphasis information in the mail. If not, please contact the church office. For those of you who are new to the church, this is our yearly opportunity to estimate your giving for the 2025 budget, as well as committing to other aspects of our membership vows. This year’s emphasis focuses responses to Jesus’ grace from Luke. Scripture reflects how those who encountered Jesus responded in different ways. Through their stories we consider how we will respond. The sermon series and emphasis will continue through the month of October. Each Sunday, you will not only meet a new follower of Jesus, but you will hear more about how others from First United Methodist Church are responding. My prayer is that as we encounter God’s grace in Jesus, and we will lead lives to respond with thanksgiving and devotion. The information you received included a 2025 Estimate of Giving Card. You are invited to pray over this card to consider how God might be wanting you to respond. Please return your 2025 Estimate of Giving Card to the church office or at a worship service by October 27. If you have questions or want to talk more about stewardship in your life, you can reach out to me or the financial secretaries in the church office. “You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us” 2 Corinthians 9:11 How will you respond? Rev. Sherri

Stories of Generosity

October 6, 2024 • Becky and Bob Oltman • 2 Corinthians 9:11

An encounter with Jesus invites us to response. Some surrender their lives to Jesus as Lord. Others ignore him or reject him. There are those who follow with devotion, worship, and service. Still others shape their lives to be filled with Christlike devotion. Some people commit with words, but don’t fully surrender with worship and thanksgiving. How will you respond? Over the next four weeks, we journey with the gospel of Luke, examining the responses of Simon, the forgiven woman, Zaccheus, and a thief on a cross. All of them reacted to the grace they found in Jesus in unique ways, just as we do. Through their stories I invite you to consider how you are responding to Jesus. How do your prayers, presence, generosity, service, and sharing of Christ reflect your response to Jesus? Is God inviting you to respond in a deeper and different way? 2025 Estimate of Giving Cards are available in the Chestnut Foyer or you may fill out an Online Estimate of Giving Card. You are invited to pray over this card to consider how God might be wanting you to respond. Please return your 2025 Estimate of Giving Card to the church office, at a worship service or online by October 27. Each Sunday, you will not only meet a new follower of Jesus, but you will hear more about how your brothers and sisters in Christ are responding through First United Methodist Church. My prayer is that we encounter God’s grace in Jesus anew through this generosity emphasis, and we are challenged to lead lives to respond with thanksgiving and devotion. “You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity, which will produce thanksgiving to God through us” 2 Corinthians 9:11 How will you respond?