 Giving and Stewardship: By Father Paul Frey Chances are you have given money and time sometime in the last week or month. You may have contriuted to a United Way campaign, given money to a panhandler, put your loose change in for Ronald McDonald houses, bought a Scouts cookies or popcorn. You may have volunteered your time as a coach, a mentor, or any number of other ways. Caring for world in which we live is called stewardship. There is no shortage of places to give money so why give to the church, let alone, why give to Christ Church? There is no single answer,why people give to the Church or any other organization. But I can give you part of my answer. Os Guinness, a Christian thinker and writer notes that "At the root there are only two basic problems for faith - the existence of God, and the character of God. Is God there? Is God good?" I often have doubts about God's existence, and even when I decide there is a God, I have my doubts about whether God is really good But time and time again I come to the place where I see in Jesus both the existence of God, and a living picture of God's goodness and mercy. That is why I give. I am convinced that there is a God, and that Jesus is indeed both God and human being. When I understand the universe in that light, I realize that my very existence itself is a gift. So for me, my giving proceeds from a deep place of thankfulness, and an awareness of the forgiveness of God. So why give to the church? Clearly ti does take some money to run Christ Church. If you divide our operating expenses it takes us about $700 a day over the course of a year. But just because an organization needs money is not a compelling reason to give to it. So why give. to Christ Church? For me the answer is simple. I believe that our congregation is a living extension of the love of Jesus in this hurting world. We are not the only one in Laredo, there are many. But we do have particular gifts, and we reach people that some other extensions will not reach. So, I give so the love, mercy, and grace I received from God through the church and its' members can continue to touch and bless many other peoples lives, |  All Saints this Sunday We will celebrate All Saints Sunday this Sunday, October 30th and give thanks for all those we love who have passed on.  Prayers in Cemetery Tuesday, Nov. 1st Father Paul will be at the corner of the City Cemetery closes to Meadow and Saunders at 5:30 p.m. to lead a brief time of prayer and to give thanks for our loved ones departed in Christ. Join us if you are able.  Loteria In November Loteria Prizes Needed - November 12th 4-8:00 p.m.: As another fundraising opportunity, we will be hosting a Loteria on Saturday, November 12th from 4-8:00 p.m. We need volunteers to help that day as well as donations of prizes for the games. Please speak to Myrna Innis or call her at 956.334.1098. Men's Fellowship Reminder: Men’s Fellowship on Tuesdays: Join the men from Christ Church each Tuesday from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. for lunch & fellowship at Cheddar’s on the Loop.  Don't Forget next Sunday, Nov. 6th... Fall Back -Daylight Saving Time Daylight Saving Time begins next Sunday! be sure to set your clocks BACK one hour before going to bed on Saturday!  From our Diocese - Thanksgiving on the Island: Mustang Island Conference Center offers a beautiful feast following the Holy Eucharist on Thanksgiving Day. Arrive Wednesday evening, November 23rd and depart after lunch Saturday, November 26th. Relax, stroll along the shore, and visit area points of interest. $374.00 (one person); $500 (family of 2); $650 (family of 3), $800.00 (family of four), additional child $167.00; additional adult $253.00. For more information, contact Lynn Corby at 361-749-1800. |
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