Here are the facts…

· Our church is currently operating at a deficit in terms of congregational giving relative to actual ministry expenses.

· Our cash reserves, the church’s ability to cover the cost of payroll and fixed expenses as giving comes in, are all but accounted for in order to cover the YTD deficit.

· Congregational giving is increasing but not yet on a par with actual expenses.

· The 2008 budget has been revised---additional revisions WILL result in reductions in staff and ministry.

Here is the invitation…

· Read the scriptures and consider how much Jesus talks about our orientation to money in relation to our discipleship.

· Listen to the voice of the Holy Spirit speaking of gratitude and responsibility.

· Know that biblical stewardship grows out of our desire to invest in what God is doing in this world and in our lives.

· Remember that with so many blessings come great challenges. At all times in our lives, we have an opportunity – and a responsibility – to share what we have been given by God.

Stewardship is a way of life made up of four parts:

· Receiving the gifts of God with gratitude.

· Cultivating them responsibly.

· Sharing them lovingly in justice with others.

· Standing before the Lord in a spirit of accountability.

It is up to you to determine how you want to live out this stewardship way of life.

But consider…

If every member and friend of this congregation, who regularly attends worship, gave generously from the resources God has provided them, we would have FAR MORE than just the means to meet our budget expectations. More importantly, we would have the ability to expand our vision and our reach to share the Gospel and to assist others in need and thus fulfill the call of the Lord Jesus to serve Him by serving His brothers and sisters.

SO, WILL YOU ANSWER THE CALL?