Consecration Sunday

October 15, 2006

Consecration Sunday 2006. On this day we wrestle with the concept that, from a biblical perspective, financial stewardship is not money Christians give to their church merely as a way to pay its bills. Rather, we’re trying to understand that financial contributions are a way to help people grow spiritually in their relationship with God by supporting their church’s mission and ministry.

Since this goes against our natural tendencies to want to regard everything as our own possessions, we must continue to think about this and make it a part of our life a bit at a time. Consecration Sunday is a way to teach the biblical and spiritual principles of generous giving in our stewardship education emphasis. This is our fourth year of approaching faithful living in this way.

During morning worship on Consecration Sunday, attendees and members were asked to make their financial commitments to our church’s missionary, benevolent, educational, service, and worship ministries in this community and around the world. During morning worship, our leaders conducted a brief period of instruction and inspiration, climaxed by members making their commitments as a confidential act of worship.

The other part of the event is the celebration meal that followed each worship service - breakfast following the 8:30 service or the lunch following the 10:30.

The Rev. Gregory A. Kramer was our guest preacher for consecration Sunday this year. He has a number of years of service in the parish and is currently the representative for Lutheran Planned Giving of Central and Northeastern Pennsylvania. He also met with the Council and leadership of the congregation on October 9th in preparation for Consecration Sunday.

Following the luncheon, Pastor Kramer made available a planned giving workshop for persons who were interested, There are many things to consider when planning wills and other estate documents, and Pastor Kramer gave attendees ideas and resources to assist in this process.