Dear Members and Friends of Calvary,

If we demonstrate a commitment to a faithful kind of giving, the amount of our giving will take care of itself.

In these days we know and feel the downward pressure on employment opportunities, wages and investment returns. This can raise anxiety about the prospect that Calvary will receive an adequate amount to move ahead with plans for ministry and mission. Yet we will not see a better time to look carefully at the nature of our giving, the way our financial decisions can reflect God's faithfulness...in fact can glorify God.

Tom Erich, a coach for pastors and church leaders lifts up the difference between what he calls "harvest giving" and "charitable giving."

"Charitable" donors use disposable income to support causes they consider worthy. This is a lovely and important habit. (When we receive the offering in worship we call for 'tithes' and 'gifts')! It does however pit charities against one another, each eager to, (we could even say dying if they can't) demonstrate their worthiness. And 'charitable' giving hints at a self sufficiency mindset- "I have earned this money, I will do with it what pleases me."

"Harvest giving" comes before we turn to all the obligations and impulses that demand some of our resources. We use the biblical metaphor 'first fruits' and the biblical concept of 'tithe' to clarify what we mean by 'harvest giving.' harvest giving acknowledges God as Lord of the harvest, the merciful benefactor who gives rain, sun, soil, skills, intelligence and hope, the foundational things without which nothing at all would come to us. So the standard for the People of God described in the Bible has been to dedicate to God and promise to give a proportion of whatever comes from the (planting, cultivating and) harvesting in the season yet to come - before it has begun. Their mindset is, "God will give the harvest, I will give in a way that honors God's role and priority in life."

The size of this proportion in ancient Israel was 10%. "The important thing for us is not to hit that percentage exactly - maybe we should commit to a larger percentage... maybe a lesster one. However, to be "harvest givers" we must consciously select, dedicate and promise to give some percentage of the proceeds of a season of life and labor that has yet to unfold.

Charitable giving is lovely. But "harvest giving" characterizes those who intend to live faithfully in a way that honors and glorifies God. If you haven't been or havent been recently I hope you will become a "harvest giver" in the stewardship effort this Fall. Because if "harvest giving" characterizes us as a congregation, we will gladly and confidently have enough to accomplish our mission and ministry.

Blessings,

Rex

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