Dear Friends and Members of Sparling:
I recall a conversation with the late Ken Todd some years ago about an article written by author Rev. Ralph Milton. Our conversation centered around the following quote:
“The offering in church is an act of worship, an expression of our love of God, just like communion or prayer. We feel so strongly about money because it is such a powerful symbol of our self worth. That is why giving our money to God, as an act of worship, is so important. It is a way of giving ourselves to God.”
I believe, as did Ken, that these are wise words. Indeed, offering of our financial resources to the mission and ministry of the church is an act of worship – one that comes directly from the heart because in order to let go of our hard earned dollars, we have to really believe that it is being used for the purposes of God.
It is our custom that every Thanksgiving we send out a letter and envelope asking for an “extra” financial contribution for the ongoing life and work of our Congregation. I invite you this year to take some time before returning your envelope to allow your contribution to be a worship experience – an expression of your love of God. Take a few moments to think of the things about Sparling Congregation for which you are thankful; a few moments to think about the many ways our Congregation touches the lives of those in our community; and take a final moment to Thank God for the work of Sparling United Church.
Even though the financial burden we carry as a Congregation is always before us, we are nonetheless a Congregation that is blessed with abundance – we have a place to meet on Sundays due to our partnership with the Brooklands Seniors; we have a place to study and meet the community through our presence at Church House; we have the staff and volunteers to be present to the ongoing work of the larger community of Brooklands, Weston and all of North West Winnipeg by being present at critical meetings, working with other organizations and thereby spreading the name of Sparling United Church; and we of course have our outreach initiatives, the pinnacle of which is the Sparling Food Bank.
Yes…God has blessed us in many ways and so I encourage you to continue to live out of your abundance and not scarcity. May your gift in support of Sparling this Thanksgiving be an offering that is truly an act of worship.
May the grace of God be with you and may the Spirit of the Risen Lord assist us all to be faithful and thankful witnesses of God from whom all good things flow.
Sincerely in Christ,
OCT/NOV INFO
GENERAL INFORMATION Sunday Worship 11 A.M. at the Brooklands Pioneer Seniors 1960 William Ave West. Church House 1490 Burrows Avenue 694-2845 | ONGOING PROGRAMS and STUDIES Choir Meets select Wednesdays at Fred Douglas Lodge. Please contact Church House for more information Bible Study Thursdays at Church House 7pm. |
GROUPS Women Without Borders If you are concerned with women’s justice issues of equality, safety and economic development this group may interest you. Contact Church House for more information. Men’s and Women’s Spirituality Chat There will be upcoming breakfasts for the men and for the women sometime in November. Watch our website for date announcement and/or contact Church House to be notified by email. | WANTED!!! EVANGELISTS Love Sparling United Church? Want to see us grow? Invite a friend or family member to Sunday Worship, a Bible Study, Women Without Borders or one of the upcoming breakfasts. |
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