Six Days

By Elder Dick Wallace

This week, members and friends of Central will be receiving in the mail a package of material for the "Six Days to a Prayerful Decision." This special season of prayer and reflection on our commitment to the ministries of Central was announced during the annual Congregational Meeting.

During the Congregational Meeting, we presented a sampling of the many missions and ministries that are undertaken directly or supported by Central. Indeed, the 2002 budget summary was entitled "Our Budget is Ministry."

Next week, Pastor George will begin a two-part sermon series on stewardship, which is always a challenging topic on which to preach. Pray for these sermons on the blessings of generosity and investing for eternity. And pray for personal understanding and the Spirit's touch in each of our lives. The days between Sunday, April 21st and Sunday, April 28th, are our Six Days.

• A few thoughts about Six Days:
• It's NOT an annual stewardship campaign. Nobody's going to call you.
• It IS a call to a time of prayer and reflection together.
• It's NOT a budgeting tool for Central. There are no pledge cards to turn in.
• It IS an opportunity for us to prayerfully consider the impact that Central makes on our lives and the lives of those around us, and to determine how we can more effectively support Central's ministries, in terms of time, talent, and treasure, to God's glory.

"So, what do I do?" May I suggest that each of us set aside a bit of time each day during the week of April 22nd through 27th to pray and reflect on the topic for that day in the "Six Days" brochure. Think in terms of offerings of time and talent as well as monetary gifts. Consider the blessings that God has showered on us as a congregation and individually. Consider that the 2002 budget, which we committed to support, calls for a significant growth in ministries and outreach. Pray for the guidance that will reveal how to best participate in the work God is doing in our midst.

This is too important to the health of the Church, and to our own spiritual health, to gloss over lightly. Be amazed by what God has accomplished, and be prepared to step out in faith.

Thank you for your time and prayer during our Six Days.

(If you are not on Central's mailing list, or for some other reason don't receive the "Six Days" package in the mail, additional copies will be available for you to take home next week.)

See also:

• A Family Resemblance
• Investing For Eternity
• The Benefits of Generosity