Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity

      Stress. Anxiety. Fear. These words capture well the state of mind of many of us. We have witnessed the market move down and up, the collapse of the world’s largest insurance company, and more bankruptcies and mergers than we can remember. Practically every story in the news is now, somehow, connected to economic uncertainty. But it is deeper than the news. One survey found that over three in four Americans are stressed about their personal finances and the economy. Half were worried about providing for their family’s basic needs. Over half of respondents reported feeling angry and irritable, and reported that is affected their ability to sleep. The report concludes that, “The declining state of the nation’s economy is taking a physical and emotional toll on people nationwide.”

We can live better. So, we are inviting you to join us in worship starting on September 29 for a sermon series entitled Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity. Increasing consumer debt, declines in savings, lower income growth, and a volatile stock market are all a part of our economic insecurity. But there is more to it. We live in a society that tells us “you deserve it now,” whether or not we can afford it or really even need it.

All of us have struggled with these issues at one time or another. They are important issues that we cannot ignore. This is why we will feel compelled to offer this emphasis in worship.Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity is adapted from a book by the Rev. Adam Hamilton, a UM pastor in Kansas City. We will explore what the Bible teaches us about financial management. We’ll hear expert advice and stories about what others have learned by working through financial challenges. Each week we will provide you with some practical tools you can use to assess your financial situation and develop a financial plan with a biblical foundation.

At the conclusion of the emphasis and practical wisdom, we will have the opportunity to make personal commitments of our offerings to God through our church in the coming year. We will consecrate these commitments in the worship services on Sunday, November 3. I hope you will join us in the coming weeks as we look at how we can manage our financial resources and truly experience simplicity, generosity, and joy. Here is the schedule for worship, starting the week after Homecoming:

Sept 29     Faith in the Midst of Financial Crisis

Oct 6         When Dreams Become Nightmares

Oct 13       Wisdom and Finance

Oct 20       Cultivating Contentment

Oct 27       Defined by Generosity

Nov 3         Consecration Sunday