I hope it’s been a blessed and productive week and you’re excited for the weekend. Together as a community of believers, we're reminded that our lives are not our own, but rather a testament to the love and sacrifice of Jesus Christ. One of the most powerful ways we demonstrate that love is through the gift of generosity. When we give of our time, talent, and treasure, we're not just meeting physical needs, but also sharing the love and hope of Jesus with those around us.
The story of the widow's mite is a powerful reminder of the impact of generosity. In Mark 12:41-44, we read about a poor widow who put all she had, two small coins, into the temple treasury. Jesus commended her for her generosity, saying that she had given more than all the wealthy contributors because she gave out of her poverty and abundance of faith. Her act of generosity was not about the amount she gave, but about her willingness to trust in God's provision and trustworthiness. As followers of Jesus, we're called to be generous in our giving, not just because it benefits others, but because it blesses us as well. The Bible tells us that generosity is a gift of the Spirit. It's not something we can muster up on our own, but rather it's a fruit that grows in our lives as we abide in Christ. When we allow the Holy Spirit to guide us, we become channels of blessing to those around us.
As Jesus said, "It is more blessed to give than to receive". When we give generously, we're not just helping others, we're also experiencing the joy and fulfillment that comes from living out our faith. It's a way of expressing gratitude for all that God has given us, and of sharing the abundance He's poured into our lives with others.
I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you who has shown kindness and generosity to those in need within our church and community. Your willingness to serve, give, and pray has made a tangible difference in the lives of many. Whether it's through volunteering, donating to a worthy cause, or simply offering a listening ear, your love for Jesus is being demonstrated in practical ways.
As we continue this journey together, I pray that we would stay sensitive to the Spirit's leading and be willing to be used by Him to bring joy and hope to those around us. May our love for Jesus be characterized by generosity and may His joy be complete in us. May we continue to be inspired by the example of the widow's mite and many others who have demonstrated generosity throughout history. May our churches become known, not just as places where people worship on Saturday mornings, but as places where people serve and give throughout the week.
As we look ahead to the coming weeks, I'd like to bring to your attention a few important dates for our church calendar. On Sunday, the 21st of this month, we will be holding our business meeting in the seminar room at 4:30 pm. I encourage you to join us as we discuss the plans of our church and make important decisions together. In addition, I am excited to invite you to our Cake Auction fundraiser on Saturday, the 27th of July, in the evening. This event is always a wonderful time of community and fun, and I look forward to seeing you there. Finally, on Saturday, the 3rd of August, we have the privilege of celebrating the baptism of a couple young people. I hope you can join us as we gather around them to witness this significant milestone in their spiritual journey.
With deepest gratitude, David Peñate
