Greetings, 

For a stewardship letter, you would expect me to talk about ‘cents.’ 

• How much things cost. 
  
• What our budget is. 
  
• How much you should give. 
  

Dollars and cents.

But, I am talking about ‘since.’ In Paul’s letter to the Colossians (the church at Colossae), he says, “Since you have been raised in Christ …. “

Since you have new life in Christ, since Christ has made all things possible, since Christ restores you, since God has created all things –

SINCE –not cents.

Since THAT has happened, now THIS must happen.

Since you have been raised with Christ, now there are some responses and changes! Since you have been given new life, you respond with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. You forgive. You love. You allow peace to rule in your hearts. “And be thankful,” Paul says. Be thankful in your hearts and spirits and show thanks outwardly with words and actions. (Colossians 3:1-17)

And yes, with your dollars and cents. It is an act of worship. We call it stewardship. Since God has given to us, we return a portion of God’s gifts back to God. The church receives your offerings and uses it to continue this cycle of thanksgiving. It all makes good sense. That is stewardship.

Thank you in advance for spending some prayerful time with the enclosed stewardship card and bringing it with you on November 25th.

Bless you!

Catherine

• Fill out the online pledge form at the top of this page
  
• Bring your pledge card to church with you on November 25th.
  
• Mail your pledge card to 1st UMC, 804 Montvale Station Road, Maryville, 37803
  
• Bring your pledge card to the church administrator, Mark Blodgett
  

We ask that you prayerfully consider giving in support of God's work in this church,

the community and throughout the world.

More information on where your tithes and offerings go can be found in

the special stewardship edition of The Church Bell.

You can give online at anytime by clicking here!