Over the past three weeks, we have heard the Apostle Paul’s call in 2 Corinthians 8–9 to “excel in this grace of giving.” Paul reminds the church in Corinth and us that generosity is not an obligation. It is the natural overflow of God’s love at work in us. He writes, “God loves a cheerful giver,” and promises that “you will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion.”
At the heart of this message is a simple truth: Love Gives.
Because God so loved the world, God gave his only Son. Because Christ loves us, Jesus gave his very life. When we give, we join God’s generous heart and reflect the love of Jesus to the world.
Friends, God is moving in powerful ways at Pittman Park. New members are joining, worship attendance is rising, and hearts and lives are being transformed. To keep pace with this Spirit-led growth and to prepare for our 70th Anniversary in 2026, we are stepping forward in faith with a ministry budget that reflects both God’s blessing and our mission to Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World.
Your Invitation
This week I invite you to prayerfully consider your 2026 pledge. Remember Paul’s counsel in 2 Corinthians 9:7-8:
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.”
Take time this week to ask the Lord:
What step of trust, surrender, or generosity are you calling me to take this year?
For some, that step may be giving intentionally for the first time. Others may be ready to tithe, trusting
God with the first ten percent. Still others may feel called to give beyond the tithe. Whatever your step, remember that love gives and God delights in every cheerful gift.
I pray that this Sunday, September 28, you’ll join us for worship as we bring our commitment cards to the altar during each service, marking a holy moment of thanksgiving and faith. If you are unable to attend or prefer to pledge online, you can do so anytime: Click here to pledge online.
Friends, giving is about more than funding a budget. It is about becoming a people whose kindhearted generosity reflects Jesus Christ, the One who gave everything for us. As we open our hands to God, we can trust that God will fill them in ways we cannot imagine.
God bless,
Jonathan Smith
For Jesus. For People. For Community.