How Much Will We Save? How Much Will We Give?

I have been gratified by the response from a number of people who have greatly appreciated our “Enough” series that has focused on equipping our congregation to find joy in simplicity and generosity through better management of their expenditures. Several have reported amazement, even shock, after figuring out how much money they spend on eating out; they just had no idea until they actually did the math. As we have said, most of us have more money to give for the things that matter once we figure out how much we already spend on things that don’t matter as much … like Mountain Dew Code Reds and Snickers bars (confession mine). Without having or earning any more money than we already have, people are discovering that through a little bit of simpler living, they can have a lot more joy by putting that same money where it can do some real good.  

This week or early next week, you will receive a letter from your church inviting you to prayerfully consider what God will receive first from you next year through FUMC Plano. September 29 is our Consecration Sunday where we will receive your Estimate of Giving cards in person and electronically.  Without making any more income in 2025, people are discovering they can give back to God in praise and thanksgiving money they did not know they had.  It is a step of faith that God assures is well-placed:

Bring the whole tenth-part to the storage house so there might be food in my house.  Please test me in this, says the LORD of heavenly forces.  See whether I do not open all the windows of the heavens for you and empty out a blessing until there is enough.  Malachi 3:10

Christ has much for us to do in 2025 – expanded missions, new construction of driveway and parking, a capital campaign to eliminate our remaining debt. Our choices for spending our money now and next year will go far in determining how far we will go together next year. It will take all of us. Thank you for that faithful reflection and response.  

Connecting God and Grace to Self and Community,