Our theme for the fall stewardship campaign fits nicely with these sermons, since “stewardship” is the word we use to describe our giving of our blessings for the growth of the church.  Although the historical focus of stewardship campaigns is on financial gifts, stewardship involves much more.  Not everyone has the financial capacity to give large sums, but each one can give generously from the blessings they have.  Christians cannot grow spiritually without giving of themselves – their hearts, minds and time; money alone can not accomplish what volunteer time and efforts do.

In some ways, the idea of “Growth through Giving” is contrary to society’s value system.  People become wealthy and achieve status by accumulation, that is, by saving and investing, and by spending their wealth on themselves.  Giving offers more satisfying and longer lasting personal growth.

Giving allows for spiritual growth.  By giving generously, particularly to the poor, we follow Christ’s teachings and example.  In some ways our giving to others, rather than spending on ourselves, allows us to cope better with the enormous disparity of secular wealth and opportunity in the world.

We have all experienced how giving to others, such as Christmas and birthday gifts, makes us feel good inside.  Those feelings are often better than those we feel when we receive gifts.  Scientists now agree that “giving is better than receiving.”  Recent studies suggest that giving makes those who give happier than those who do not give or give less.  These studies indicate that how we spend our money is more important to our happiness than how much we have, and that people who spend relatively more on others were happier than those who spend relatively more on themselves.

This year, the Stewardship Team hopes that all members and friends of LOPC will continue to grow spiritually and in personal happiness by pledging and giving to support the many wonderful programs and missions of LOPC.