Your Financial Gifts to the Church. . .

 The issue of offering your hard-earned money to the church is a very spiritual one. Your financial gift is from your heart straight to Jesus through the "vehicle" of this church. And, further - your gifts are a recognition, if you will, of the blessings poured out upon you in your daily life. Providing a monetary gift to the church is an act of faith, an act of support, an act of unconditional love. 

 

"...It is more blessed to give then to receive."  Acts 20:35 (NIV)

 

A financial gift, no matter what amount, is a gift that helps a church run its programs and assists countless missions local to world-wide. It provides the foundation on which programs can start, operating expenses may be paid, staffing may be provided, supplies can be purchased, and crafts may be enjoyed by the children's groups.  Something we must keep in mind is that a church is supported by it's own budget. And, that the largest portion of that budget is from our offering and tithing. 

 

There is a difference between offering and tithing. Your tithe is gathered every Sunday in church. This tithe is your weekly gift to the church. An offering, on the other hand, is an extra amount you feel you want to give to a specific initiative, mission, program, event, etc. Sometimes there are requests to support the Van Fund or children's programs; sometimes there is an extra envelope in the Sunday bulletin for a national mission. All of those examples are ones of providing an offering.

 

Most commonly, the discussion is not whether or not to give, but rather how much to give. Though the biblical reference is to 10 percent (Numbers 18:26) of your earnings, it is at this point when talking to God directly, and on your own, may be the most helpful. Prayerfully approach this subject to come to an amount that you feel is appropriate given your circumstances, your faith and your committment to the body of Jesus Christ. Remember, this is a spiritual decision. "Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver." 2 Corinthians 9:7

 

If you are a Gravel Hill member,  you have the option to have your tithe and/or offering made via automatic withdrawal directly from your bank.  To sign up for automatic withdrawal, please contact the Church Office at 717.838.4721.