Fun of Giving

The Fun of Giving

Quick question: Which is more fun – to receive a great gift on Christmas morning, or to watch the face of someone you love as they open a gift you have given that you KNOW is the perfect gift? I think most of us would agree that giving the perfect give is WAY more fun than receiving the perfect gift! But why is that? What is it about giving that brings such joy to our souls?

I believe giving produces joy because that’s the way God made us. I also believe that giving produces joy because it is an expression of love. Think about it: we tend to give gifts to people we love. We tend to give generously toward causes that we are passionate about. It is the combination of love and generosity that always generates joy!

At FBCG we celebrate generosity because we know that our generosity not only produces joy but pleases the heart of God. About 6 weeks ago we, as leaders, communicated that FBCG had begun to feel the downturn in the economy. We let you know that our weekly offerings were running about 10% behind our budget and that we were preparing to make cuts in our ministry and operational budget as a result. Since then our church family has responded with the strongest giving we have seen since the spring. During the month of November, our collective giving EXCEEDED our budget needs for several weekends, with the result that we are now running behind by 8%. While this number is a significant concern, the fact that so many of you have continued to give generously through this difficult time is a powerful testimony to your love for your Lord as well as a great encouragement to us as leaders!

While we have exercised our responsibility as leaders by trimming back our budget some 10% through:

• reducing costs of many ministry programs
• eliminating expenditures deemed unnecessary at this time
• going to a four-day work week at both campuses
• eliminating the shuttle but between campuses on Sunday mornings

we are very hopeful that with strong year-end giving we will not have to cut back any further!

Historically, year-end giving has provided a large percentage of our annual budget. We know that, for many of you, the current economic situation may have impacted the way you are approaching your personal year-end decisions. We simply want you to keep the ministries of FBCG in your mind and heart as you allow God to lead you in those decisions – and to know that we deeply appreciate your continued faithfulness and generosity!

Finally, as you move through the celebrations and traditions of this joyful time of year – take a few moments to reflect on the gift God the Father chose to give so long ago. Think about the joy he feels as each one of us receives the perfect gift of his Son and our Savior!

Have a wonderful celebration of Christ’s birth!