First Fruits

This coming Sunday is our Pledge Sunday. We can be sure about what we choose to give by considering God's direction of the First Fruits. I found scripture that seems to give clear directions of how much to give, the first 10% of what you make. I found other scripture that explains more about how you give sacrificially - to the point of hardship, putting your family at risk (you don't choose between giving to God and feeding your family).

The constant (message) was that we first give to God and then to the poor. We give to him first because that is generally the best of what we have. Then we give to the poor before we look at what we have for ourselves. God wants us to wait to look at what we have left for our personal needs and wants so we can prioritize what we invest in (that being community, our children, our values, all before possessions).

It isn't always comfortable, but we can strengthen each other through sacificial giving. Many people here have done this regularly. Our money is not our own, we would have nothing without God.

Our giving is our active way to thank God for the sacrificies of his son and show you are following Christ.

- Jennifer

GLP Council Meeting Minutes - Oct. 13, 2015

Genesee Lutheran Parish Council Meeting Minutes

Oct. 13, 2015

Jennifer Parkins, Courtney Scharnhorst, Alice Bevans, Patrick Adams, Dana Carter, Pastor Dave Deckard

Guest-Katie from Family Promise

Meeting called to order by Jennifer at 7:03

Devotion by Dana, Amy will do in November

Review of minutes, change wording from Pledge Drive to Pledge and Offering Amount, also Amy may not be liaison for Evangelism as that is still being determined how it is being done.

Katie from Family Promise explained the group’s mission as it’s a shelter. It is comprised of interfaith hospitality and made up of various churches in the area. A host church provides rides, dinner host, evening host and overnight host for an 11 week rotation. Twenty-nine families have been served in the Moscow-Pullman area. She asked that we consider being a partner for a hosting church rather than a host. Jennifer said we would look over the information and get back to her. Dave suggested the possibility of partnering with the community church and St. Mary’s church.

Jennifer said three of the women who attended the Catholic conference in Philadelphia while the Pope was here would like to share the message with our congregation. She suggest that would be a good time to talk with them about Family Promise also.

Jennifer reported on bible request from Kaycee Gregory. She has looked into the cost and found a good deal online for a Lutheran based bible. Pastor Dave said the money is already there. Jennifer will ask Kaycee how many she needs.

Pastor’s report:

Lots of events scheduled. Need more people to sign up to help. Marie Linchan is helping generate excitement within the business community. Creating a great feeling of renewal.

New members classes, All-saints Sunday and Reformation Sunday are all coming up. Fall Festival is coming up, Christmas wrapping event when and where  it needs to be publicized.

Lots happening in general with youth, Sunday School and confirmation.

Treasurer’s Financial Report:

Patrick handed out and reviewed income/expense year-to-date report.

E-bay store is up and running, Susan Riggs and Steve Edwards are running this. Amy requested a printout of what has been sold and for how much made to generate excitement. Patrick is seeing an increase in giving. Increased awareness of our financial status is likely the reason.

Executive Committee report:

Jennifer reported we will be ready to offer and contingency plan soon and still reviewing options

More people will be giving testimonies. Discussion on the feeling of prior testimony given by Linda as well as Jennifer’s talk about security. Keep inviting people to church.

Discussion:

Alice’s Christmas Party.

Dana brought up Christmas for Kids and how we want to do it this year.  Patrick made a motion to sponsor one family (or three children), Courtney seconded, motion passed.

Patrick asked to form a nominating committee for new council president, since Jennifer’s term is up in January. Discussion followed. Start getting suggestions for people willing to serve on the nominating committee, it was suggested that we have three people. Alice and Dana volunteered to serve.

Closed with the Lord’s Prayer.