What an amazing day we had on Sunday! Our family celebrated its first ever Harvest Giving Sunday – first fruits offering week.
Pastor Cam Butler encouraged us to practice “giving beyond the norm” to experience the joy of sowing and reaping.
Reading from the Amplified Bible in Luke 6:38 Jesus said, “Give, and it will be given to you. They will pour into your lap a good measure—pressed down, shaken together and running over [with no space left for more]. For with the standard of measurement you use [when you do good to others], it will be measured to you in return.”
Discover the joy of sowing – tough moments
He went further to say, that even when times are tough, like the early Macedonian Church, not to allow your circumstances to rob you of your joy! “God wants you to experience his amazing joy in giving – in the good times and the tough.”
Cam shared of his time in Transylvania as a young boy during the cold war when experiencing the amazing generosity of the inpoverished people there.
“Generosity, even at the most difficult times can bring us untold joy.” The Apostle Paul reflected on the amazing spirit in the Macedonian Church saying “In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.” 2 Corinthians 8:2 (Emphasis CB)
It’s what happens in our heart that matters
Pastor Matt affirmed this saying, “…ultimately it’s ‘what happens in your heart’ that really matters.” “That’s why we love to be a family that is generous to one another — and the work of God.” “It changes ‘our’ heart, it changes our church!”
Overwhelmed with joy and gratitude
Later that afternoon Pastor Matt was deeply overwhelmed when hearing of our Church’s generosity, “I’m so blown away”. “We have been so blessed to receive over $63,600, with quite a few more people planning to give this coming week.”
Saying, “As your Elders you have our commitment that we will be transparent and sow our resources into seeing God’s Kingdom come here in our church and region.”
The church service concluded with a gospel train to the old-time hymn, Count Your Blessings sung by James Hollands and the celebration team.
Again, thank you Genesis Church for your amazing generosity and sowing into this NEXT SEASON.