Rockwood Tennessee
October 2009
Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity
Dear Friends,
Stress. Anxiety. Fear. These words capture well the state of mind of many of us in America today. In the past year we have witnessed dramatic market losses, the collapse of the world’s largest insurance company, loss of jobs, and many bankruptcies and mergers. A recent survey found that three in four Americans are stressed about the economy and their personal finances. Half of those surveyed were worried about providing for their family’s basic needs. Over half of respondents reported feeling angry and irritable, and reported lying awake at night worried about this. The report concludes that, “The declining state of the nation’s economy is taking a physical and emotional toll on people nationwide.” I know I’m stating the obvious and I’m not telling you anything you don’t already know by mentioning all of this. But I think it is good that we name it. These are challenging
times.
I think the voice of the church has a unique perspective on these challenging times. That’s why I hope you will join us in worship for a sermon series entitled Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity. It begins on October, 11th and will last for four Sundays as part of our Stewardship Campaign for 2010. It seems that everyone is talking about money these days with increasing consumer debt, declines in savings, lower income growth, and a volatile stock market. We have lived in a society that tells us “you deserve it now,” whether or not we can afford it or really even need it.
All of us have struggled with these issues at one time or another. They are important issues that we cannot ignore. I don’t want to be just one more voice talking about money and fear, but I do believe that faith does have something to say about money and possessions, and economic insecurity. That is why I want us to talk about it, especially right now as we begin to make plans and budget at church for 2010. Beginning on October 11th, we will be having a church wide worship emphasis simply titled, “Enough.” During this time we will explore what the Bible teaches us about our finances and material possessions and what it means to root our lives in simplicity and generosity.
At the conclusion of the emphasis, on November 1st, we will have the opportunity to make personal commitments of our offerings to God through our finances and also in giving of our time and talents to further the vision of the church. We will bring these commitments forward and ask God to bless our hopes for the coming year in ministry at First Christian Church. After worship that Sunday we will do what we always do when there is something to celebrate – have a meal together in the Fellowship Hall! There are more details inside this newsletter. I hope to see you in worship!
Glad to be your pastor!
Kara
~The Book Club's next book is the "Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society" by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. We will meet on October 4th at Marsha Berry's home at 186 Emerald Cove Lane. We will meet at 7pm.
With mirth and laughter let old wrinkles come
Shakespeare
If you missed having your picture taken!!
We will take pictures again on Sunday, October 4th
after the morning worship service…
We hope to get a picture of everyone!
Thanks so much for participating!!
Our busy season is about to arrive...Advent is just around the corner. I would like for Music and Worship to meet on Wednesday, September 30th at 6:oopm in the parlor. We need to start discussing plans for the advent season.
Thanks! Laura