Instead, we are God’s accomplishment, created in Christ Jesus to do good things. God planned for these good things to be the way that we live our lives. ~Ephesians 2:10
Do you know a person that exemplifies this scripture? I am sure you do; in fact, I would guess that you know several people who live out God’s plan every day. What is it that puts them on your list?
• Is it the person who shows up at the Mission every week?
• Is it the person who called to check on you even when you didn’t realize that you needed someone to check on you?
• Is it the person who picked up litter on 5th Street on a Sunday morning?
• Is it the person who took on a big job with UMW and made it look easy?
• Is it the person who saw a need for a new Sunday School class and made it happen?
• Is it the person who greeted a stranger looking overwhelmed by our beautiful gothic church and walked them to the Children’s Department?
• Is it the person who volunteers to serve communion or usher on Sunday morning?
As I typed each of these “good things,” a specific person came to mind. Indeed, one person may be generous through several different acts of kindness. The beauty of “doing good things” is that there are opportunities for all ages and skill sets. Whether you are 6, 16 or 66, you were created for the purpose of doing good things!
Seeing these Christ-inspired acts of kindness on a daily basis reminds me of the overwhelming generosity of First Church members. When there is a culture of gratitude that celebrates and appreciates acts of kindness, generosity grows.
It also explains a trend we have seen happening here at FUMCFW over the last few years in spite of the COVID effect. The person who is actively involved in the church as a volunteer often also becomes more active in their financial giving. It can also be vice versa; the person who is financially supporting the church feels the call to become physically involved through hands-on experiences.
Not only do we have a healthy volunteer component here at FUMCFW (our members are always stepping up), but financial giving by members has also trended up for four of the last five years with there being a slight dip in 2021 only to see a rebound in 2022 over years 2020 and 2021.
When there is a culture of generosity, First Church grows! Since the first of the year, 168 new members (including 61 6th grade confirmands) have made First Church their church home. People want to be a part of a faith community that is doing “good things” as inspired by Christ Jesus. They want to be a part of an active and thriving place of worship with like-minded disciples.
Church growth is certainly another reason to celebrate and give thanks!
I look forward to seeing you this Sunday. Let’s come together and do church! Amen!
Together in Christ,
Nancy Fisher
Director of Stewardship
