Giving

 

"All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee." 

 

With these familiar words, we acknowledge that all we have in the way of materials, goods and talents are gifts from God. Stewardship requires that we contribute to God's work, not only with our time, varied abilities and talents, but that we prayerfully make a commitment of our financial support.

 

When we give, we give back to God. Our total stewardship giving is a reflection of our personal values and priorities. While the General Convention of the Episcopal Church and the Council of the Episcopal Diocese of Atlanta have acknowledged the biblical standard of the 10% tithe for Christian giving, it is up to us as individuals to decide how much and in what form we will support the work of the church.

 

"God Loves a Cheerful Giver"

                                                                                             2 Corinthians 9:7

 

Stewardship has been called the most important work of the church. What we do with the time, ability and financial resources under our care, shapes our discipleship and models our beliefs for others to see.

 

As we live in a materially abundant society, how we handle stewardship affects many people around the world. When we share with grateful hearts and open hands, we join in building community based on faithful stewardship and love for one another.

 

The scriptures proclaim that God loves a cheerful giver. The joy of sharing is one of the gifts of compassionate stewardship.