Welcome to Our Stewardship Journey
On Sunday, October 5, we begin a three-week, churchwide worship emphasis: Enough—Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity. Together we will listen to scripture, name the money pressures many of us feel, and practice simple steps for spending, saving, and giving. Each week we’ll share a few practical tools to help us see where we are and take a faithful next step. Each week will challenge and inspire us to take steps toward living with greater gratitude, contentment, and purpose.
This Sunday, October 5, we launch “Enough—Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity”. Let’s walk this path together. At the close of the emphasis we’ll be invited to make our commitments for the coming year, which we will bless and dedicate on Sunday, October 26.
Sunday - October 5
Enough: “No More Empty Calories”
In worship today we listen to Isaiah 55’s invitation: “No More Empty Calories.” God calls us to what truly gives life. As we answer that call, we will look at biblical wisdom for daily money choices. We will review common pitfalls and cultural traps and learn how to avoid them. We will also introduce the Six Key Financial Principles below.
Please take time this week to read these principles and Scriptures. They make a simple table devotional for us and our families. As we practice them, we can find greater simplicity, contentment, generosity, and joy. Also, be sure to check out the financial management resource table in the West Foyer.
1. Put God first in your living and giving. (2 Corinthians 9:6-7)
Put God first in your living and your giving. Give your tithe and offering from the “top” of your paycheck, and then live on whatever remains.
2. Prepare a spending plan and track all expenses monthly. (Proverbs 27:23-24)
Creating a budget means developing a plan in which you tell your money what you want it to do. Tracking your expenses is like getting on the scales to see how you are doing.
3. Simplify your lifestyle; live below your means. (Matthew 6:19-33)
Because this discipline is critical to the success of any financial plan, next Sunday’s sermon will be devoted to this topic.
4. Provide immediately for an emergency fund. (1 Timothy 6:9-12)
An emergency fund is an account separate from checking or long-term savings that is set aside specifically for emergencies.
5. Pay off all credit card debt; use cash or debit cards, not credit cards. (Proverbs 22:7)
As you are building your emergency fund, begin to pay off your credit card debt and start using cash or debit cards for purchases. If you must use a credit card, be sure to pay off the debt monthly.
6. Practice long-range saving and investing habits. (Luke 14:28)
Saving money is the Number 1 wise money management principle everyone should practice. There are three types of savings we should have: emergency savings, savings for wants and goals, and retirement savings.
Weekly Guide: “Enough—Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity”
As part of our stewardship journey, we invite you to make this weekly guide part of your personal devotion time. Each day offers a simple scripture reading and prayer to help you pause, reflect, and grow in gratitude.
Through these readings, you’ll discover how living with enough—not more, not less—can bring peace, purpose, and joy to your daily life.
Take a few moments each morning or evening to center your heart on God’s abundance. Let this time of reflection strengthen your faith and renew your spirit.
Click below to view this week’s devotional readings and prayers.