The Practice of Tithing

Bulletin Cover Letter October 14, 2012

Dear Friends,

This week we begin a three week series called “Celebrate the Gift”. We will celebrate the gift of the mission of our church, our people and the effective ministry that we do together. We will also take time in these three weeks to consider our financial gifts to the church.

For me, I have never questioned whether or not to financially support the church. I remember that when I was a child, part of getting ready for church was watching my mother put cash in an envelope. I was given coins to put in the offering plate at Sunday school.

Once my brother took his Sunday school money, crossed the street to a gas station and bought a little airplane. When my parents saw the plane, he was taken back across the street to exchange the airplane for his weekly church offering. My parents determined that part of their income would be given to the church and they passed that practice on.

As a young adult, I had to determine what I would give. I heard about “tithing”, offering 10%, of my income. But I had questions: Does that mean 10% of gross or net? Is it 10% after I make the mortgage payment and deductions for retirement savings? Can a tithe be 10% of what I have left over at the end of the month? Then I decided that my questions and my approach were not helpful.

Instead of asking “What do I need to give?,” I started to ask, “What do I want to give for the gifts God has given in my life?”

I practice tithing, but I don’t give because of the church’s needs.  And I don’t give because there is a rule that requires that a certain amount be given. I practice giving in thankfulness for God’s abundance. This is one way that I “Celebrate the Gift.”

Blessings,

Pastor Sherry