Our weekly budget for this year is $11,666 while our giving has remained at last years level, as yet we haven’t reached the 18% increase over our 2008 budget. Currently we are at 82% of budget reflecting a shortfall of approximately $2,000 per week. I encourage each of us to commit to financially supporting the church as we are able.

It’s interesting to observe the way we react to being asked to give financially to God’s work, some rejoice that we are being open about our financial needs, others get defensive and provide reasons why we shouldn’t talk about giving or make excuses why people don’t give, such as the current economic crisis. Without doubt giving to the Lord’s work is as biblical and fundamental as prayer and reading the Scriptures and sometimes we need to be reminded to pray, read God’s Word or evangelise, just as we need to be reminded to give.

I don’t believe the current economic crisis provides a reason not to give to God’s work, firstly because it’s impact has not yet hit the majority of people, in spite of what the media tell us. Some have been hit hard but at this stage most people actually have more money in their pockets because of the significant drop in interest rates. It was reported this week that the average homeowner in Australia, with a mortgage, is now saving $7,000 per year in interest because of the low interest rates. 

Having said that, there is no doubt that the flow on effect of the world economic crisis will hit us all at some point and it may be sooner rather than later, but why are many thinking we are already in a great depression? At this point in time Australia is still one of the wealthiest countries in the world! When hard times do hit however and we are faced with some very difficult times financially we still have no excuse not to maintain a spirit of generosity towards God’s work. Consider the following verses…

2 Corinthians 8:1-5 And now, brothers, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian churches. 2Out of the most severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity. 3For I testify that they gave as much as they were able, and even beyond their ability. Entirely on their own, 4they urgently pleaded with us for the privilege of sharing in this service to the saints. 5And they did not do as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then to us in keeping with God's will.

Next week is our major Easter Outreach on Wednesday 8^th at 7:30pm with Tony Anthony. Just as I have invited you to GIVE to God’s work, I invite you to PRAY for this event and INVITE an unchurched friend.

This Sunday morning Pastor Joe will bring a message to us while I am speaking in the evening, at both services we will consider Jesus’ preparation for the cross as we prepare for Easter.

Grateful for His every blessing and generosity to us all,