Together, We Do It
Word from Wiese
9 November 2023
Question: According to the Mayo Clinic, what can improve sleep, mood and immunity? What can decrease depression, anxiety, and difficulties with chronic pain and risk of disease?
Answer: Gratitude.
If a pill could bring all the amazing health benefits listed above, everyone would be taking it. Most of us would be calling our doctor for a prescription.
But as Jesus followers, we don’t need a pill. We’ve got a purpose. We’ve been called to the “attitude of gratitude” . . . and that ain’t no platitude.
In a couple of days, we’re celebrating Generosity Sunday at COS. For our gratitude inspires generosity. We’ll all have a chance to bring to the altar our faith giving intent, or our expression of gratitude for all the Lord provides so wondrously to us. Our action is very important. All of us sharing our gratitude is the way we resource Jesus’ agenda and fund our 2024 COS Ministry Plan, one that’s all about Multiplying Love! But it’s also important for personal reasons. As indicated above, gratitude action brings us personal emotional, psychological, spiritual and physical health.
But in a world that seems to pull us in so many directions financially, how do we have enough money for the Lord’s work? For inspiration, check out this illustration from brand new members George and Carol Axford:
Oftentimes, we need to pause and realize the many voices in the world has confused us about our priorities and how we use money to achieve meaning. Want an illustration? Check out this interesting twist from last Sunday’s service:
Are you goal-oriented? So are we at COS. We have two fun goals to achieve in the next couple of weeks. Together, we can do it!
First, we’re shooting for at least 150 COS family units to share their faith giving intents. This will unlock a special $5000 above-and-beyond-normal giving challenge gift from our council members, propelling us to the additional $1100 weekly giving for which we’re striving.
Secondly, we’re calling at least 100 of our family units to keep using or sign up for regular, online giving. Such consistency helps COS in a variety of important ways. Need help signing up? Contact [email protected]
If you did not receive (or do not receive by Saturday) in the mail the Multiplying Love packet, you may click below for the overview brochure and faith giving intent. Either way, please take some time to read the materials, pray about God’s will for you at this moment, and then take action.
Multiplying Love Overview Brochure
Multiplying Love Printable Faith Giving Intent
Thanks for joining us in the gospel call of Multiplying Love in Jesus’ name for the sake of our children, our futures, and the world! There are so many benefits when we do so. And what a surprise that when we’re generous, according to the Mayo Clinic, we’ll even sleep better and have less back pain to boot. I’m in!!!
In gratitude,
Pastor Fritz
++++++++
Questions for reflection:
What’s one dynamic about your life for which you are very grateful?
What’s one dynamic about the world for which you are very grateful?
How is gratitude a feeling? How is gratitude a call to action?
Let us pray:
Dear God, I admit that I often get confused about how to use money, and how it connects to the meaning and purpose of my life. Help me to stop and count my blessings. Let me be grateful for how many people and events have brought love into my life. Give me wisdom to be a multiplier of your love. Help me take my feelings of gratitude and transform them into action, actions that please you. Bless our congregation, Christ Our Shepherd, that it may be a mission station and faith community that is bold, generous, and impactful in its witness for you in Multiplying Love. In the name of your Son, Jesus Christ, our Lord, Amen.
