On Sunday, November 4th, Rev. Ellie Johns-Kelley preached for our annual stewardship commitment Sunday. During her sermon, she challenged us to give in a PERSONALLY MEANINGFUL way. Each member of the church would need to determine what that meant. Ellie gave the example of her sister taking the daily money she would spend at Starbucks and donate that to her church above her regular pledge. She also mentioned taking time from her schedule and reading to children in the local elementary school instead of spending time with her family. A final example was working towards a tithe (10%), not out of guilt or obligation, but to support the ministry and mission of Jesus Christ. This ten percent was not simply our finances, but our hours and our talents. The challenge laid before the Presbyterian Church at Woodbury was will we tell our story about what God has done in our lives with our time, talents and treasures. Will we be like the Gerasene Demoniac in Mark 5?

“As Jesus was getting into the boat, the demon-delivered man begged to go along, but he wouldn’t let him. Jesus said, “Go home to your own people. Tell them your story—what the Master did, how he had mercy on you.” The man went back and began to preach in the Ten Towns area about what Jesus had done for him. He was the talk of the town.”

It is my prayer that each of you will “tell your story” – what Jesus is doing in your life and offer your time, talent and treasure in PERSONALLY MEANINGFUL ways, so that God’s mission might continue through this church. If you haven’t submitted an “Intention of Giving” card, please send to church at your earliest convenience.

In Christ,
Phil