GREGG’S GALLERY 

"My Response Is to Give"

          In the past couple of weeks I have mentioned that you will be receiving a 2nd letter about
    making plans as to how you will be giving to the ministries of your church now, and for the next
    year.  This is a prelude to that letter.
            I have mentioned a theme you will hear a few more times in the near future and in a few
    similar ways;  "You gave and we did great things.  Give more so we will do more great things."
            I have already been asked what great things we have done.  To this I respond in simple
    terms; "We serve people."  You and I serve one another and people we never meet through the
    policy of paying bills and keeping the doors of the church open, pledging to our ministries and
    helping the families in need, and when the opportunity arises to provide most any group a place
    to meet.  We have a very good reputation for this, by the way.  Though we cannot let our facility
    be used for commercial purposes, we have many service organizations use our space.  Boy Scouts,
    New Hope Church, Habitat for Humanity, Volunteer Center, Ministerial Alliance, Something
    Special, Little Lambs, our various ministries and groups from within our church and most who
    ask to use the church.  Your church is known for being there for others.
            So, how do we keep up with it?  Though many groups give donations to use the church,
     and many of our own ministries pledge to the church from funds they raise, the majority of our
    financial support comes from you.  You pay for salaries, benefits, gas, electric, water, equipment,
    insurance, janitorial and office supplies, maintenance and payroll taxes.  You provide for training
    for staff and volunteers.  You provide suppport for mission and ministry around the world.  And,
    you receive the "Well done, good and faithful servant" for every life we can touch through every
    mission, ministry, gift, witness and point of love your church can offer.

            "To God be the glory, great things he has done!  So loved he the world that he gave us his
    Son." (1)  With the gift of Christ we have really received the greater portion and we really have
    a lot more great things to do.

            So, "You gave and we did great things.  Give more so we will do more great things."

            In God's service, and in Christ's presence, know peace,
                                          Gregg
     1.  To God Be the Glory,  Words:  Fanny J. Cosby, 1875 UMH # 98