Giving

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What does the Bible teach us about giving?

Let’s be honest, God doesn’t need our money. But, why we give means everything to God. God sees into our hearts about how and why we give. The Old Testament instructed believers to tithe (give 10%) in response to God blessing them. Giving is seen as an important part of our worship to God in our gratitude to Him and love for others.

In Malachi 3:10, God challenges us to test Him – test His faithfulness of providing for our needs – by tithing. The tithe is not about obeying a rule; it is about growing in our trust in God in every aspect of our life.

There are several scriptures from the New Testament that help us develop healthy habits in giving. We should give:

  • regularly – 1 Corinthians 16:2
  • humbly; not to impress others – Matthew 6:3-4
  • proportionally to what God has given us – 2 Corinthians 8:11-13
  • generously – Romans 12:8 & 2 Corinthians 9:6
  • cheerfully – 2 Corinthians 9:7-8

God wants us to respond to His amazing love by giving ourselves fully to Him. He doesn’t want our money; He wants our heart! (Romans 12:1, 2 Corinthians 8: 1-5) Then, giving becomes a natural expression of our changed heart.
“Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,” says the LORD Almighty, “and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.” Malachi 3:10

How can I give?

We have different ways you can give to God’s work through your tithes and offerings.

  • During worship services by cash or check. For proper tax credit for cash gifts, please use an envelope and include your full name and address.
  • Online uses Give Now to give a single gift, to schedule recurring automated giving, or to view your giving history. It’s quick, easy, and secure. Online giving does not make a distinction regarding a debit card or a credit card. We strongly discourage credit card use and do not wish anyone go into debt by tithing or giving. The Bible speaks in Proverbs 22:7 about “…the borrower [being] servant to the lender.”
    • Create Account – New to online giving? Set-up an account with a User ID and Password.
    • Account Help – forgot your user id or password? We can email it to you.
    • Reset Password – Reset your password.
  • Electronic Bill Paying is provided by many banks and credit unions.
  • Mail a check to the church Messiah 1550 South Poseyville Road, Midland, MI 48640.
  • Gifts of stocks can be coordinated through Wells Fargo Advantage (formerly A.G. Edwards)  by contacting Scott Smith at 631.4114 .

What can I give toward?

  • General Fund supports the on-going ministry and operations for Messiah. If you do not specify another fund, your gift goes in the General Fund. (The 2009-2010 budget breakdown is 7% ministry, 35% operations, 58% personnel.)
  • Release the Stream to Follow the Dream (RSFD) is the 3-year capital building campaign launched in November 2006, specifically designed to pay principal and reduce debt. This fund will remain open until December 31, 2009.
  • Building Fund is the on-going fund to pay down the building debt.
  • J2 is a temporary fund to hold money needed to launch journeys coffeehouse off-site.
  • Special Fund provides opportunities to give toward items needed to improve the church. A prioritized list will be published here. If more funds are given for a particular item, excess funds will be applied to another item on the priority list.

Refund Policy

We sincerely appreciate financial support. Messiah Lutheran Church reserves the right to redirect finances to the area of ministry most needed within each fund. All contributions are non-refundable. To be tax deductible you must make fund payable to Messiah Lutheran Church.

Questions

If you have any questions, please contact the Messiah Finance Office at 989.835.7143 ext 220 or via email.

Privacy Policy

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