Abundance rejoices.

Discipleship includes 5 dynamic life expressions that United Methodist Christians do that reflect who we are as a people who believe in Jesus: Prayers. Presence. Gifts. Service. Witness.  Today's focus: Gifts

"At this festive season of the year, Mr. Scrooge," said the gentleman, taking up a pen, "it is more than usually desirable that we should make some slight provision for the poor and destitute, who suffer greatly at the present time. Many thousands are in want of common necessaries; hundreds of thousands are in want of common comforts, sir."

"Are there no prisons?" [Asked Scrooge.]

"Plenty of prisons. But under the impression that they scarcely furnish Christian cheer of mind or body to the unoffending multitude, a few of us are endeavoring to raise a fund to buy the poor some meat and drink, and means of warmth. We choose this time, because it is a time, of all others, when Want is keenly felt, and Abundance rejoices. What shall I put you down for?"

-From A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens

“We choose this time, because it is a time, of all others, when Want is keenly felt, and Abundance rejoices. [Italics mine.] There is a different sentiment to our seasonal gifting.

Abundance rejoices. I heard it as persons talked about the joy of delivering the Thanksgiving meals. St. Philip’s, you fed fifty-nine (59) families a holiday feast. I heard it – from members of some of those families who sought me out to thank you for helping them have a holiday that they could not have had without you.

Abundance rejoices in this edition of Money Matters, as you read about how lives are transformed through your sharing Christ’s caring.

Abundance rejoices giving as you do each November through December, helping St. Philip’s meet all of its ministry commitments for the year.

Thank you for your faithful, generous, and consistent gifting!