Dear Bethany Members and Friends,

You have to give to grow. Think about it. Nothing that remains in stasis will grow. Something that is static never changes. It remains the same. If you are not mobile day after day, you will not grow. The NIH says that sedentary, static living is linked to a shorter lifespan and a wide range of medical problems. Ouch!

A plant is always putting out new roots in search of water and stretching its branches to the sun for its benefits. As it does these things, it grows. It changes; it gives of itself to extend itself, to grow and stay healthy and productive. A tree gives of its energy to produce fruit; a vine uses its energy to produce berries or grapes; a rosebush gives of its energy to produce fragrant flowers. They give in order to grow and be productive. It's their only purpose in life.

We are like plants as we give of ourselves to accomplish the work that we have chosen to do for Christ. We use our life energy to do our Christian work. The fruit produced by the expenditure of energy is shown in the work that we accomplish for Christ. However, we first must move to grow...and regardless of age, we are never done growing.

We should take joy in our accomplishments. Joy is a byproduct of our giving of time, talent and yes, treasure. Deep, personal satisfaction in our accomplishments for Christ shouldn't be understood to be selfish or prideful. Christ loves a CHEERFUL, JOYFUL giver. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 says, “Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” Joy shows up as a smile on your face or as a sigh of contentment with a job well done. When you are tired for a good reason, be joyful, knowing that God is always a witness to your giving.

This year, the stewardship committee is asking you to equate giving with activity as well as money. Combining volunteer activity at Bethany with donations of your weekly tithing will truly help you to grow in fellowship with the members of Bethany and in your relationship with Christ. It's really the whole package. When you give of your time and energy to the congregation, the whole church can and will grow in love and in life. When you give, you grow, we grow and joy will follow.

In Christ,

Pastor Anne Barnard Nuse