For the last three Sundays we have challenged one another to bring our very best to the table in strengthening our ministry.  I want to thank everyone who has been attending worship and supporting the church through your faithful service the last few weeks!  The Spirit of God is very much alive here and we are seeing signs of renewal every week!

The final "ship" we will be discussing is one which not everyone decides to board.  I'm talking about STEWARD-SHIP!  One of the fundamental truths about Christians, people whose hearts and lives have been transformed by Christ, it that they find joy in giving.  They don't give because they want recognition or praise.  They don't give thinking that somehow being generous will earn them God's forgiveness or favor.  They don't give to ease a guilty conscience.  They give to show their love for God and to experience the joy that comes through knowing they are being faithful to God!  

I once heard a preacher say this in a prayer before taking up the offering:  "No matter what we say or do, what we Give, Oh God, is what we think of you!"  That has always stuck with me.  One of the most accurate barometers of our faith in God is our giving.  What does yours say about you?  Does it say what you want it to say?  

God doesn't need our money, but Sugarloaf UMC does!  The church we love and care about cannot exist without generous giving from its members.  I hope you will join me in giving to God through Sugarloaf in the coming weeks.  If all of us "get on board" and commit to  "All Hands on Deck!"   the future of this church is bright and promising!

I look forward to seeing each of you this Sunday as we worship the God who has already GIVEN so much to us!

Stuart