Security and Giving

I just want to talk for a moment about security and how this fits into focus on giving.  

We each derive our personal sense of security from many things in our lives.  Children generally see security in their parents and family. To them, consistency, and love are non-negotiable and necessary. As we acquire a bit more independence as young adults, our security sometimes comes more from our own internal spirit and confidence. There is empowerment in knowing we can make decisions and physically conquer any obstacle! We seem invincible! When we are responsible for our own children (sometimes while also assisting aging parents), we rely more on our ability to provide, our relationships, health care, and typically saving for the future. Then, as everyone is grown and out of the house, we hope we have saved enough, stay in good health, and continue to enjoy the life we have built.

Through all our life phases, we seek ways to feel secure and loved.  In this church, we have developed a profound sense of security in each other. Like a great net, we have found ways to hold each other together spiritually, growing closer in our relationships with one another, emotionally, recreationally, and theologically.

There has been a great gift given to us as a congregation from the members who gave to this church before us.  Their financial gifts allowed us to grow our ministry of giving.  This now should be our legacy to the children in our ministry, the community of Genesee that benefits from our ministry, and to each other, so that we can be here in the same way, secure and provided for, able to share the Good News without worry and fear.

I love our faith family and enjoy being in our home together, worshiping, learning, praising. I want to see you next week.  I want to see you next month…and for many years to come.  

I will wrap this up with Proverbs 11:24, 25:

24 One man gives freely, yet gains even more;

another withholds unduly, but comes to poverty,

25 A generous man will prosper;

he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Jennifer Parkins