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Sunday Snacks with the Smyth’s

The Smyth’s are looking forward to our time with you!
 Our schedule looks like this:
Merrell Nolen’s class: November 11, 3-4 PM
Bonnie Thomason's class: November 18, 1:30-2:30 PM NEW TIME!
Esther Lawley’s Class: November 18, 4-5 PM

NEW TEAM MEETING TIMES
As the days get shorter and families are even more pressed to find time to be together, we want to try a new format for our ministry team meetings. This change will also allow Sam and August, two critical parts of our teams, to be a part of these meetings. So, this month, we will meet with Finance at 2:30 and then Admin Council at 3 PM.  Trustees and SPR can meet at other times or on other days of the week as needed. After a month or two, if this doesn't work well, we will adjust. Thanks for your flexibility!

A Note On Stewardship
In the next few weeks we will be talking a little about stewardship. I know, I know-no one likes to talk about money. But this is a part of what the church does and what we do as disciples. The pledge cards we will ask you to fill out help us to plan for the coming year and create a budget that will fund missions and ministries in 2019.

I want you to think about it like I do: giving is not what we want FROM you-it's what we want FOR you. Stewardship is a sign of trust in God and faith in Christ. Tithing opens up blessings from God in many ways.  Just read up in
Malachi 3:10. We want you to experience that for your family.

The word "tithe" is negative to a lot of people too. You always hear about a 10% tithe to the church. Many of us simply can not carve out 10% of our income for a tithe to the church. If this is your family, you are not alone. How can you make a pledge that honors God? Pledge to give what you can right now, say 1% or 3% or maybe $40 per month-whatever is doable. Then each year, move that towards a 10% tithe. God honors the heart behind the gift more than does the percentage amount. Search your heart and see what God is leading you to do.

Above all , remember this: giving to the church is a personal issue. We don't put it on blast and no non-essential people see what is pledged or given-not even your pastor. If you can't give at this time, pray for your church. Find new ways to serve your church. You're still a vital part of this family! 

It's an uncomfortable subject for everyone. But we can't run from our duties as disciples. Some folks have been hurt by churches over money. Some can't trust churches over money issues. We get that. And we don't want to be that church to you again.  We're simply not about getting all you have. We simply want you to know the blessing of discipleship. Nothing more.

Focus on all that God is doing through this church, all that God has done for you through this church.
Let's keep making room at His table for more of His children. 

Pastor Scott