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2008 Stewardship Theme Materials "The world of the generous gets larger and larger." Proverbs 11:24 -The Message Faith is personal but not simply individual—just as being a parent or partner is "personal" but always involves more than "me." Those who first followed Jesus were not isolated individuals but members of a group of disciples. The church is called "the body of Christ" with different parts that alone would not exist at all. We're part of a bigger picture. We only become who we are in relationship with others. We find our identity as part of a world larger than ourselves. Our baptismal vows, most church United Church of Christ together, as 5,800 congregations, through our giving to Our Church's Wider Mission. Without each other we are lost to ourselves. This is forgotten amid talk of personal faith as though this were an individual affair. So with giving. This is a personal decision that is more than an individual matter. It shows and confirms our connection with others. And like any relationship that amounts to anything it requires our own way to avoid getting hurt is not to love—or give—much of anything. If the popular "prosperity gospel" is wrong in promising that greater giving leads to wealth and good fortune, our problem may be more a scarcity gospel" that ignores what we do get when we give: a better experience of God and one another, a chance to connect with something larger and more important than ourselves, and the discovery that Jesus is right. In giving, even when it's hard, we receive—more than we thought possible. New Stewardship Theme Materials for 2008 is available to order (call 800.325.7061). Watch for your mailing from the national church. The theme is "The World of the Generous Gets Larger and Larger," based on Proverbs 11:24 (The Message.) |