Living as a Generous People
When the founding community was discerning the shape and values of our churches we felt God speaking to us about living as a generous people. As we crafted our values we wrote these words:
The Apostle Paul once said, “though he [Jesus] was rich, for our sake's he became poor.” The very nature, and mission of Christ involved an outpouring of generosity. He left the riches of heaven for the poverty of earth. Why did he do this? In order to be obedient to the Father and compassionate to the needy. We want to be people that live in this light. In a world of gaining more, we want to give more. In a culture of reckless consumerism we determine to live simply. Why would we do this? In order to be obedient to the Father and compassionate to the needy. Jesus once said, “Don’t store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy.” These, we declare, are words we will live by.
Together, our church has sought to live by this value. We’ve sought to be a simple people, generously giving of our finances so that in-turn we can generously bless our city and world.
It’s Time to Revisit Our Value
This past week at our council meeting we sensed that it would be a good time to revisit this value. There are two reasons for this:
First, half way through the year we find ourselves in a deficit position. We’re short on monthly income by about $1000-$1500 and we just recently passed a deficit budget at our AGM. Practically, we need to respond to this need.
Secondly, from time to time reflecting on the call to give is just something we need to do. Part of being a disciple is to be a people of great generosity. This is because Jesus knows that giving is good for our hearts. When we give we experience release from the grip of consumerism and greed and in return we are given the gift of joy. We give, in other words, not just because it’s good for others, but also because it’s good for us.
Here’s What We Need You to Do
So here’s what we are simply asking you to do (and what we have also committed to doing as a council):
- Ask the Lord one question: “Jesus, how much of my income would you have me give?”
- Obey whatever the LORD tells you.
If You Already Give to simplechurches
If you already give to simplechurches and would like to increase your giving you can contact Neto (our treasurer) or Brenda (our accountant) directly and they can help you increase your pre-approved amount or receive a one time gift.
If You Are New and Have Not Given Before
If you are new to simplechurches there are two ways people support our church:
- Pre-approved Giving - attached below is a form that allows our accountant to automatically withdrawal a regular amount from our bank account. You can download this form, fill it out, and get it back to our treasurer or accountant
- Cash or cheques - Money can also be given directly to our treasurer or accountant at CityWides or other determined times. Email Neto directly about this with questions.
From all the council members, we thank you for your generous hearts and we wish you God’s richest blessings,
The simplechurches Council
PS - If you have questions about where our funds go - we’ve also attached a sheet that outlines how we distribute our church finances.