We ARE……. .First Presbyterian

25 seconds left in the third quarter. We’re on the twenty yard line. It’s fourth down and ten . . .
We’ll make it. Our team, First Presbyterian, has what it takes. We have those encouraging cheerleaders. We have great fans. Excellent special teams, strong quarterback, and impenetrable defenses.
Our goal in this endeavor is to claim the victory. Our goal in this stewardship season (and all throughout the year) is to help God’s people grow in their relationship to Jesus Christ using the time, talents, and financial resources God has entrusted to us. First Presbyterian Church is a community of Christian people bound together by the Holy Spirit. We come from different places, have different names, but trust in the same God.
Just as football players use their athletic ability, intuition, and hours of practice to win football games, so we use all the abilities God has entrusted to us to accomplish every good and great purpose in life. Winning in faith is not about having the most of it. Winning in stewardship season does not mean: we can pay the bills next year. Winning in stewardship season means we have deepened our faith, taken the Lord seriously when he says we cannot serve two masters (God and wealth); we must choose. Winning in stewardship seasons means we understand our gifts and talents and time and money are all gifts from God, who gave us the ability to get them. Winning in stewardship season means every member of the First Presbyterian team carefully considers their relationship with Jesus Christ. Money and spirituality are intimately related.
Good stewardship means greater community, greater compassion, greater hope. It also means challenge, commitment, and reasonability.
So, it’s fourth and ten. . . Tune in for the conclusion next newsletter, November 3.
“Do not be afraid, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions, and give alms. Make purses for yourselves that do not wear out, an unfailing treasure in heaven, where no thief comes and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”