Warden’s Words

Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 9:7

Dear Immanuel Family,

When my husband Bob and I came to St. Margaret’s in July 1980, we had the same experience that our newcomers still have. We left church that first Sunday feeling so welcomed (by Bill Harding❤️) and truly sensing the Holy Spirit during the service. We were not Anglican but were incredibly drawn to this church and never left.

At some point, we of course heard about stewardship. In my Baptist upbringing, I remember tithing (giving 10 percent) whenever I babysat. But as our first baby was arriving that October, tithing seemed completely out of the question. We didn’t even consider it.

Then, we heard a life-changing sermon. During that teaching, giving ten percent was clearly presented as the Biblical goal. But we weren’t asked to pledge ten percent. Instead, we were asked “What percentage are you now giving?” That was a challenging question. We gave weekly, but we had no clue about the percentage. We figured out it was about 2 percent. Giving more was not realistic. But when we pledged the next year, we did the calculation for 3 percent and that’s what we knew we could pledge. Every year or two, we increased another percentage. And the amazing part: our personal financial needs were being met in ways we couldn’t even imagine, and we were stable and secure.

As you listen to the Holy Spirit, are you being called in your heart to answer the question, “What percentage are you now giving?” Please pray about it.

A final request: Please submit your pledge card next Sunday, October 20. Your willingness to share your 2025 giving plans with the Pledge Records Secretary will equip us to be good stewards in planning the 2025 budget. Also, please consider attending the Immanuel Financial Information presentation after the 10:30 am service this Sunday, October 13. We will explain how the gifts you offer to the Lord are managed within Immanuel and respond to any questions you have.

A final thought: Bear in mind that all of us have seasons in our lives when we need to reduce giving, or even stop for a while. That’s ok. You are loved and that will not change.  No matter what you give or don’t give, you belong with us here at Immanuel.

Thanks and praise to our Father God and to Jesus His Son for the outpouring of giving at Immanuel, which multiplies His Work and grows His Kingdom.

Thank you too, dear Immanuel Family. You are a blessing.

Your Sister in Christ,

Deb