I received a notice from the Internal Revenue Service yesterday telling me that a tax rebate check will be sent later this year. The concept is total anathema to me but I will swallow my ideology and accept the check. The president and congress want me and 116 million others to spend this money with abandon in the hope that it will stimulate the economy and ward off a recession.
I learned about an interesting concept from my two grandfathers when I was a child, they were both astute money managers, the concept is called saving. When I studied Economics in College, I learned a fancy term for saving. The term is called “Marginal propensity to Save”. This term simply defined by the science of economics says that for each extra dollar of income received a portion goes into savings. This concept has a companion term Called “Marginal Propensity to Consume“, for each extra dollar of income received a portion will be spent on goods and services. The two numbers will always add up to one. As far as I know there is no provision in their theory for giving. I have not heard of a marginal propensity to give except in God‘s word. God asks that we give ten percent of our income to him through his body the church. This automatically gives every Christian a marginal propensity to give of 0.1. Hence, 10% of this rebate should go to God through His Church.
Some might say that this is not helping the economy -- “you are supposed to buy worthless junk with that rebate“. Imagine this money going into the mortgage fund at Mt Olive. From there it goes to the Lutheran Church Extension Fund to help pay off our loan. The extension fund then lends this money to other congregations to build. These congregations then hire contractors, buy materials and employ people to build church facilities so that more people will be drawn into the Kingdom of God. What a triple win situation! People are employed building useful buildings, the economy is still helped and God‘s work is facilitated. Depending on your situation the check can be split into giving, saving, and spending. Paying down debt, a form of saving is another option. Think about it between now and when the check arrives, we are even free to give it all to God’s work.
Sunday, March 9, 2008
Saturday, March 8, 2008
Preview of May 11, 2008 Testimony
Truthfully -- I really do not want to give this talk today. I hastily agreed to be here when I was caught in the emotion, and manipulation, of a meeting discussing our deepening financial situation. I am here because I committed to be here. I am at odds with my commitment. My intellect says this is not the way to solve this problem. Many of you are strongly committed to this congregation and the work of the Lord. Why do you need to sit through weekly presentations designed to prod, or shame, you into additional giving when you are already sacrificing? Why are we subjecting everyone to these talks? It is my contention that those of you who are committed will rise to the challenges presented if you are simply asked one time privately -- by letter, personal contact or a posting on the blogspot..
The fact remains that we have a large portion of our membership that does not support the work of this congregation with any financial contribution. There is another segment that offers minimal support. I personally call those who support this congregation with time talents and treasures partners. Others might use the term disciples. Partners understand their responsibilities and are motivated to honor their duties and commitments. (Philippians 1:3-6)
Those who give little or nothing, excepting those in legitimate financial need, I refer to as customers. Customers have not taken ownership of the ministry. Customers are not givers -- they are takers. Customers will not commit and will be gone if the situation causes them affliction or there is a better deal down the street. Nothing I can say will change this. This change from customer to partner can come only through the Holy Spirit. I will pray for God’s will concerning finances to be discerned by all of us and I will pray for us to respond in obedience. I will pray for our customers to become partners -- the door is wide open.
The immediate problem is the monthly mortgage payment for the new addition. We committed to build this edifice and it is now time to pay for it. Up to this point the monthly payment, in the neighborhood of $7,000, has been augmented by money left in the building fund. These residual funds will soon be depleted. It is my understanding that the building fund will be replaced by the mortgage fund. We need to give to this fund separately once a month. I personally have decided to give $100.00 a month to this need in addition to our regular weekly contribution. I am able to do this by taking my afternoon break at the “Senior Center” where coffee and the newspaper is free in lieu of my regular hangout and I am also in recovery from my "Snickers addiction".
I invite your comments on my thoughts.
The fact remains that we have a large portion of our membership that does not support the work of this congregation with any financial contribution. There is another segment that offers minimal support. I personally call those who support this congregation with time talents and treasures partners. Others might use the term disciples. Partners understand their responsibilities and are motivated to honor their duties and commitments. (Philippians 1:3-6)
Those who give little or nothing, excepting those in legitimate financial need, I refer to as customers. Customers have not taken ownership of the ministry. Customers are not givers -- they are takers. Customers will not commit and will be gone if the situation causes them affliction or there is a better deal down the street. Nothing I can say will change this. This change from customer to partner can come only through the Holy Spirit. I will pray for God’s will concerning finances to be discerned by all of us and I will pray for us to respond in obedience. I will pray for our customers to become partners -- the door is wide open.
The immediate problem is the monthly mortgage payment for the new addition. We committed to build this edifice and it is now time to pay for it. Up to this point the monthly payment, in the neighborhood of $7,000, has been augmented by money left in the building fund. These residual funds will soon be depleted. It is my understanding that the building fund will be replaced by the mortgage fund. We need to give to this fund separately once a month. I personally have decided to give $100.00 a month to this need in addition to our regular weekly contribution. I am able to do this by taking my afternoon break at the “Senior Center” where coffee and the newspaper is free in lieu of my regular hangout and I am also in recovery from my "Snickers addiction".
I invite your comments on my thoughts.
Wednesday, March 5, 2008
Eric Knight Bake Sale
Bake Sale for Eric Knight
When: Friday, March 14, 2008
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
What: Cookies, Cakes, Pies, Candy, etc.
Where: Mt. Olive Lutheran Church
If you would like to make bake goods please contact Heather Greco or Kelsey Pagani
When: Friday, March 14, 2008
Time: 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
What: Cookies, Cakes, Pies, Candy, etc.
Where: Mt. Olive Lutheran Church
If you would like to make bake goods please contact Heather Greco or Kelsey Pagani
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Gospel Gang News - March 2008
The Lenten Season is upon us once again. During the month of March, the children will be learning about Lent and preparing to celebrate Easter during their weekly Bible Lessons and class time.
The children will be making Lenten pretzels from scratch. Back by popular demand, this is always a fun hands-on craft and snack.
Our Easter Celebration will be held on March 12. All children Pre-K 4 year olds through grade 5 are welcome to join us.
There will be NO Gospel Gang during Holy Week (March 19th).
A special thank you to Cheryl and Lynnsey Winkle for the delicious homemade pizza that they provided for our Gospel Gang snack.
Anyone wishing to share a craft or talent with our Gospel Gang children may do so by contacting Bonnie Hazelwood @ 724-847-0876.
The children will be making Lenten pretzels from scratch. Back by popular demand, this is always a fun hands-on craft and snack.
Our Easter Celebration will be held on March 12. All children Pre-K 4 year olds through grade 5 are welcome to join us.
There will be NO Gospel Gang during Holy Week (March 19th).
A special thank you to Cheryl and Lynnsey Winkle for the delicious homemade pizza that they provided for our Gospel Gang snack.
Anyone wishing to share a craft or talent with our Gospel Gang children may do so by contacting Bonnie Hazelwood @ 724-847-0876.
March Schedule
March 5 - Regular Format 6:00-7:30
March 12 - Easter Celebration 6:00-7:30
March 19 - NO GOSPEL GANG - HOLY WEEK
March 26 - Regular Format 6:00-7:30
March 12 - Easter Celebration 6:00-7:30
March 19 - NO GOSPEL GANG - HOLY WEEK
March 26 - Regular Format 6:00-7:30
Saturday, March 1, 2008
From the President....
Church council met on February 17. I'm proud to report that the number of activities and ministries continues to grow. The e-newsletter contains many interesting articles. I especially enjoyed reading about the visit with Pastor Tom King. Thanks to Ron and Doreen Hietsch for the update and insight. What a great way to communicate to all of us back here at MT. Olive from Florida.
We have now seen some of the talents of Vicar Jonathon and Lisa Moyer. Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ is a fantastic ministry and was a great opportunity for so many to be a part of. I know the residents and employees at Franciscan Manor truly enjoyed the time spent there. Thank You to all who helped make the weekend possible.
The Parish fellowship committee tells us to mark April 26 on our calendars for the annual wine tasting. Also, congratulations to Kelsey (I stole my husbands recipe) Pagani on the great chili. On August 10, 2008 we will celebrate the 25 year anniversary of Pastor Pingel's installation at Mount Olive.
Knowledge exists in many places…
During World War II, it was determined that people had a lot of knowledge that could be used against the U.S. by axis powers. It was information gained from conversations with service men or from their letters.
In response, the slogan "Loose Lips Sink Ships!" was tacked on bulletin boards. And the slogan was spread across the country. Today, we have something like that problem in reverse. Instead of people talking too much when it comes to what they know, many people in our congregation are talking too little. We are blessed to have so many people with talent and experience, some who share it and some who have not yet. Many resist sharing simply because they are shy, others because they don't think anyone needs them to. Well, we do need you to. Every contribution could help make MT. Olive stronger. I am asking that you consider your area of expertise and to let us know. If there is a way you can contribute, please speak up.
In this case "Loose Lips Save Ships" - and Churches.
We have now seen some of the talents of Vicar Jonathon and Lisa Moyer. Ongoing Ambassadors for Christ is a fantastic ministry and was a great opportunity for so many to be a part of. I know the residents and employees at Franciscan Manor truly enjoyed the time spent there. Thank You to all who helped make the weekend possible.
The Parish fellowship committee tells us to mark April 26 on our calendars for the annual wine tasting. Also, congratulations to Kelsey (I stole my husbands recipe) Pagani on the great chili. On August 10, 2008 we will celebrate the 25 year anniversary of Pastor Pingel's installation at Mount Olive.
Knowledge exists in many places…
During World War II, it was determined that people had a lot of knowledge that could be used against the U.S. by axis powers. It was information gained from conversations with service men or from their letters.
In response, the slogan "Loose Lips Sink Ships!" was tacked on bulletin boards. And the slogan was spread across the country. Today, we have something like that problem in reverse. Instead of people talking too much when it comes to what they know, many people in our congregation are talking too little. We are blessed to have so many people with talent and experience, some who share it and some who have not yet. Many resist sharing simply because they are shy, others because they don't think anyone needs them to. Well, we do need you to. Every contribution could help make MT. Olive stronger. I am asking that you consider your area of expertise and to let us know. If there is a way you can contribute, please speak up.
In this case "Loose Lips Save Ships" - and Churches.
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