Word from Wiese

Candy, Apple Pie, and Fish — What a Menu!

Candy, Apple Pie, and Fish—What a Menu!

10 November 2021

“A little child shall lead them.” So prophesizes Isaiah 11:6. Children certainly led COS this past Sunday in terms of sharing back to God what we are first given.

Halloween Candy TitheMiss Ingrid Hudson, our Director of Children & Family, invited the kids to tithe (give 10%) their Halloween candy gained while Trick or Treating. She explained, “Sort out your candy in groups of 10. God only wants 1 piece out of the 10. You enjoy the rest.” Wow. The kids were lined up to offer their candy tithes on the altar. What an inspiring example of stewardship and generosity. Thanks kids!

While Christians celebrate God’s abundance in our youth, we also can celebrate it at the end of our lives. The COS Apple Tree Society is an opportunity for us to use our estate plans to direct a gift to God’s unique purposes as we transition to heaven. Martin Luther declared, “if I knew my life would end tomorrow, I’d plant an apple tree today.” Our life decisions can bless current but also future generations. It’s pretty cool to think that we can honor God in creative ways in all seasons of our life! Please join us this Sunday for a very brief gathering at 12:05 PM in Room 210 to enjoy a slice of homemade apple pie and hear how the ATS works. If possible, please RSVP to [email protected].

Candy and apple pie sound yummy. But are they paired well with fish? On Sunday we heard in Luke 5.4 how Jesus steered the empty-netted disciples to deep waters for an abundant catch of fish. In 2022, we, too, are ready to follow Jesus’s lead to abundance.

Stewardship campaignOur dynamic 25-year old Stewardship Team member Andrea Fisher explained how she created a Celebration Pole. (See picture of pole in entryway). As families complete their faith-giving intents online or bring them to worship on November 21 or 28, the picture of Jesus in a boat will rise! Collectively, we’ll go to deeper waters until we hit our Challenge Goal of 140 family units participating, triggering a council member’s extra $4000 gift and a celebration breakfast in January. On Lake Galilee, all the disciples worked together to haul in the teeming nets. Still today, all of us work together to financially resource what should be an amazing 2022 of doing “God’s Work with Our Hands.”

Click here for a link to the Abundant Waters online faith-giving intent. Or if you need a hard copy, pick one up at church.

Faith-Giving Intent (online)

Normally, I’m not sure I’d order a plate of candy, apple pie, and fish. But these days at COS, these three are a tantalizing trio!
Following Jesus with you to Abundant Waters,
Pastor Fritz