What Giving Is and Isn't

This is a very practical, mechanical  talk - on the second page of the bulletin - see Financial News. See the monthly need vs. monthly giving.
What is included in need?
Rent, Sunday school materials, supplies for Fellowship dinners, etc.
Pastor’s salary and benefits
The money to meet those needs comes from all of us. There isn’t another source.
Ultimately it all comes from God, via us. God provides for our needs, and out of what He provides, we support our church.

What giving isn’t - it isn’t a “price for admission” or a “tip”. It also isn’t mandatory. We aren’t under the Law. What you give is between you and God. I’m going to do my best to explain “Biblical giving” and “tithing” to us. As with everything Biblical, it’s up to each of us to apply it to our own lives and circumstances. Also as with everything Biblical, if you don’t understand something, God has a few ways He talks with us: ask other Christians for guidance, study your Bible, pray for understanding and guidance.

Next week I'll talk about giving as worship. In subsequent weeks, we'll learn about giving and the state of our hearts, and then we'll learn about why we do it.

Prayer
"Heavenly Father, we come before you with grateful hearts, recognizing that every good and perfect gift comes from you. As we present our tithes and offerings today, we acknowledge that all we have belongs to you, and we offer these gifts as an act of worship and thanksgiving for your abundant provision. May these gifts be used to further your kingdom and to spread your love throughout our community. We pray that our giving will be a reflection of your generosity, and that we may always be faithful stewards of all that you have entrusted to us. In Jesus' name, Amen.".