Extreme Generosity

This past month we were able to raise money for our Deacon's Pantry Fund, thru our Easter Chocolate Candies Sales. Headed by Paul Breakiron this year, the fundraiser, thanks to you, raised just shy of $600.00 plus $60 from donations (from those abstaining from chocolate). This fund provides funds to deal with financial emergencies. Additionally, Paul, Deacon Harry Brubaker, and Rev. Michael put together Easter Baskets for 11 kids, 8 moms, and Staff at Cameo House this year. The baskets were “cleverly delivered” while the kids were taking their naps to waken to find that the Easter Bunny had indeed not forgotten them. A "Chocolate Time" was had by all.

Food and money donations continue to come into our Food Pantry, headed by Deacon Elaine Lyons where we helped 6 families in the area with their grocery needs. This fund gives out groceries to those with HIV/AIDS on a low income.

And now, a word from our Pastor ....

Over the last few weeks gifts have been appearing at the church. Some of them have been quite large; boxes of copier paper or kitchen paper. Some of them have been smaller; soap for the kitchen, canned food for the pantry, sodas for the fridge.

The one thing they all have in common is that not one of them came with a label to say who they were from. Not one said "From so-and-so", or had a receipt attached.

Of course, I encourage you to put a receipt into the office for anything you purchase for the church so that we can credit your giving statement and maybe save you a few bucks in tax next year. However, if you don't itemize your deductions then I suppose there's not much point. And anyways, that's all beside the point. The point is that I know that Drew and Joe put together a basket of eggs with candy and requests for Easter gifts for the church. I know that you probably picked an egg out of the basket and ate the candy. I know you thought about buying the gift mentioned. I know you did.

None of that is a surprise. It happens in churches all over the place.

But ... You then went and bought the gift. You brought it to the church. Without saying anything to me, or anyone else, you left it to be used by others. You brought the paper upstairs, put food in the pantry, soap in the bathrooms and under the kitchen sink. You simply gave. Do you have any idea how rare that is? Do you have any idea what a blessing that is? Do you have any idea how proud of you I am?

Thank you so much for the gifts that you gave. I have no idea who gave which gift but I am so privileged to be able to serve you all. To serve you is truly to serve Christ.

I hope you have a wonderful week and that God bless you. You have certainly blessed God's name with your generosity.

Love,
Rev. Michael

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