Annual Giving Information 2012

Count Yourself Blessed.…

How many times have you heard church members say, “All they talk about is money!” Why do you suppose this subject of money in church makes some people so angry?

Actually, what pastors are usually talking about is ministry; because when more is given, more can be done. Hearing undisguised truth, like financial realities, can jar people into avoiding the issue by directing their frustrations toward the messenger.

The desire to be comfortable in church is not a contemporary phenomenon:

Do not prophesy to us what is right; speak to us smooth things, prophesy illusions, leave the way, turn aside from the path, let us hear no more about the Holy One of Israel (Isaiah 30:11)

Perhaps we are just embarrassed that all we believe we can give is such a small amount. There are so many examples in scripture of Jesus taking something small and using it to do something great. Small, faithful gifts can make all the difference. Or perhaps we give small gifts of our abundance because we are afraid there won’t be enough for us. Have we lost our faith in the God who tells us, “Do not be afraid for I am with you”?

O God, you promise to be with me always, and yet I forget that you are present, walking beside me; guiding my steps; leading me forward. When I think that I am on my own, draw near. When I know that I am lost allow me to feel your presence. Forgive me, for I am easily led astray. Show me the path to deeper relationship with you. Amen.

Rev. Dr. Jo. Hudson, Senior Minister
Cathedral of Hope UCC
Dallas, TX

(The 2012 Annual Giving Response Form in PDF format is attached below so that you may download it, print it out, fill it in, and return it to the church office.)