Stewardship

November 3, 2008

Dear Church Family and Friends,

We have been called to a mission that is Deeper than Politics. That's a good thing to remember now that the two-year long national obsession with the Presidential election is mostly over. Evidently politics matters but I wish our Citizenship in Heaven mattered even more. Why? Because what we invest in heavenly things pays eternal dividends. What we spend (on earth) for the sake of Christ buys eternal goods. What we're searching for today and tomorrow will have an impact on us and those around us forever.

Jesus said, "Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things (food, shelter, clothing) will be added unto you." Matt. 6:33

He also said, "Whatever you bind on earth is bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth is loosed in heaven." Matt 18:18 That means that the things of this life have eternal consequences.

Regardless of who is President or which party sets the agenda for our nation, we have already been given a mission from God; as the Church of Jesus Christ, we have a job in this world. The Old Testament prophet Malachi said it was to "do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with our God." (Micah 6:8)

At The Cove, we say it is to Experience God, Know Christ, Follow the Spirit, and Love Others. No matter how you say it, it means that we have a higher purpose than merely to elect leaders. Elected officials can't do what God wants you and me to do: love God, share his love with others, be agents of reconciliation between God and a hurting, hungry world.

My hope and expectation is that every cent you donate to The Cove would go to accomplish our mission, as directly as possible. Here are some things to keep in mind about how we approach the financial needs of our ministry:

  • Our church does not have "dues." Anyone is welcome to participate regardless of how much or little you may contribute.

  • Our church depends completely on what you voluntarily give and on the support of the denomination.

  • I practice and I believe in the concept of the tithe (giving 10% of one's pre-tax income for the sake of God's purposes in our community and in the world).

  • Jesus taught us that financial generosity is a spiritual issue, both revealing and affecting one's spiritual condition.

At The Cove, we don't emphasize money very much, but money is a big part of discipleship. Good stewardship grows out of our desire to invest in what God is doing in this world and in our lives.

In 2008, these were our income projections, (and we're on track to meet or exceed them):

Donations: $167,000
Fees: $26,000 (mostly the rental of our Sonoma Hwy property)
Grants: $20,000

In 2009, grant money will be reduced to $13,000, fees will net about the same, and donations are likely to remain in the same ballpark. Our budget is supported by something like 70 to 100 "giving units." If you desire your pledge amount to appear on your financial statement in order to compare your actual giving to your pledged amount, then, please sign and return the card. If your desire is to keep your pledge commitment between you and God, then return your pledge card unsigned. We do not base our budget for next year on the pledges we receive at this time. Our budget is based instead on historical giving patterns, attendance projections, and what we feel God is leading us to do.

Sunday, November 23rd, we will present our pledge offerings to God as an act of renewed stewardship of God's resources. If you are unable to be in worship that day, simply mail in your envelope with your pledge enclosed by the middle of November. Whether your card is signed or anonymous, your pledge and giving will be processed confidentially (by only the Financial Coordinator and/or Church Treasurer). You may contact Eileen Haynes, Finance Coordinator, 542-0205 x103, if you have any questions.

Giving is an investment. May your investment pay you rich dividends of joy, hope, peace and purpose in the coming year.

Warmly, in Christ,

Rev. Jeff Johnson