The theme of our 2012 Stewardship Emphasis is, “Great Joy!” The joy of giving is modeled for us by the very heart of God. We give as an expression of joy for all that God has done for us. God has blessed us this past year. We have grown in number and in strength of discipleship. In response to God’s amazing grace and abounding love, we enter the 2012 Stewardship Emphasis. Ponder these scriptures as you prayerfully consider your gifts to the ministry of First United Methodist Church, McKinney.

“The Lord has done great things for us and we are filled with joy.” Ps. 126:3

“Then the people rejoiced, for that they offered willingly, because with a perfect heart they
offered willingly to the Lord; and David the king also rejoiced with great joy.” I Chronicles 29:9

“Each person should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not reluctantly or under
compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Cor. 9:7

Beginning with Children’s Sabbath on October 9, we will celebrate God’s blessings in our lives and seek God’s guidance in our giving. I pray that you will prayerfully consider how you will give intentionally, proportionally, regularly, and prayerfully in 2012.

Intentionally - pray about your giving and talk about it with your family.

Proportionally - give a percentage of your income to the work of the Lord.
Traditionally, the tithe (10% of income) has been the scriptural model of giving.

Regularly - give on a regular basis so that it is a continuing discipline in your lives.

Prayerfully - bless your giving with prayers of joy and thanksgiving. Send your gifts into
the church and the world on the wings of prayer.

We have great opportunity in 2012 to be the church God calls us to be. We will start a new church in Melissa. We will continue to grow in ministry and outreach to the community. We will build a new youth building. Our building committee has finalized plans and is seeking bids. They will bring this to the church for our approval. When the church is in agreement, we will conduct a capital funds campaign for the construction.

It is vital that we have strong stewardship for our church’s ongoing ministry as we take steps for growth.

Sunday October 30 will be Commitment Sunday. We will present our 2012 Commitment cards during worship. You may bring them in before or you may make your commitment online. Commitment cards will be mailed in a subsequent mailing.

Join me in supporting the ministry of our Lord Jesus Christ through this great church. Be in prayer and holy conversation about your financial commitment to God’s work in this place. Together, let us experience the blessing that comes when we give with “Great Joy!”

Peace,

Dr. Thomas O. Brumett
Senior Pastor

 

If you prefer to complete your commitment card electronically, you may use this online form to do so by clicking here. Or you can mail your card or drop it by the church office. 

Now Thank We All Our God

Consider the lyrics to the beloved hymn, Now Thank We All Our God, or click here to listen:

Now thank we all our God
With heart and hands and voices
Who wondrous things hath done,
In whom his world rejoices;
Who from our mothers’ arms,
Hath blessed us on our way
With countless gifts of love,
And still is ours today.

O may this bounteous God
Through all our life be near us,
With ever joyful hearts
And blessed peace to cheer us;
And keep us in his grace,
And guide us when perplexed,
And free us from all ills
In this world and the next.

All praise and thanks to God
The Father now be given,
The Son, and him who reigns
With them in highest heaven-
The one eternal God,
Whom earth and heav’n adore;
For thus it was, is now,
And shall be evermore.