A new priest arrived in the village he was sent to serve. The people of the village came together to welcome him and to stock his home with food and other provisions. Each household also agreed to bring a bucket of wine to pour into the priest's wine barrel (this was not a Baptist church). The priest was so moved by his new congregation’s hospitality that he asked the people to stay at his home for a feast. Food was prepared. The table was set. They opened the wine barrel’s tap and, to everyone’s amazement, out came water, not wine. What had happened? Each person had believed the lie that, in filling so large a barrel, his household’s small part didn’t really matter. So each brought a bucket of water instead of wine, believing what others gave would make up for his missing part.
You and I are called by God to play a part in the financial support of His work through the church. In responding to that call, we are tempted to believe that our small bucket of support doesn’t make much difference in filling so large a barrel. Sadly, when that kind of distorted thinking dilutes our devotion to giving, we water down our church’s strength and impact.
Prayerfully consider taking one of the following steps to do your part in keeping our church financially strong.
· If you are not presently giving to support St. Andrews, make a start. Choose God’s work as a priority mission for your money. Then, set an amount you will give regularly.
· Consider giving to St. Andrews online. Many of our families pay most of their bills electronically. If giving online is more convenient for you and will help you be more consistent in supporting God’s work, then go to our church web page, click the “Giving” button and follow the instructions to make your gift.
· Evaluate your financial faithfulness to God’s work. Read the giving statement you receive from the church. Pray about your level of support. Ask God if you need to do more.
No one else can do your part. Don’t bring a bucket of water when God deserves the firstfruits of our labors, the best we can give to support His church and share His love.
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