Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. 2 Corinthians 6:7
God loves a cheerful giver. Cheerful giving is about the condition of our hearts when we write a check to the church or place an offering in the plate. When we give an offering during worship, we are not giving to New Providence Presbyterian Church. Our gift is given to God, the Almighty, to be used by New Providence so that together we can accomplish Christ’s mission through our church. Our gifts help to bring the Kingdom of God here on earth. I have a dear friend who comes from another country. In her culture, if someone gives you a gift, you are expected to give a gift in return. Christian giving is like my friend’s cultural tradition only with an important twist. We do not give because we are expected to give, instead, we want to give. Christians want to give because Jesus Christ has given us an abundant life. Followers of our Lord give with an overflowing heart because we are so grateful for what Christ has done for us. We realize that we could never repay Jesus Christ for his wondrous love toward us. During the first two weeks of October, I will preaching about Cheerful Giving. We have some exciting worship services planned for this month. October 2nd is World Communion Sunday. We will celebrate the Lord’s Supper. On October 16th chalk artist, Randy Davis, will be leading us in worship. I hope you will invite a neighbor, friend or family member to be part of this special service. On October 30th our youth will lead in worship. That is a Sunday you won’t want to miss! Listed below are the sermons and events for October: Sunday, October 2, 2022-Cheerful Giving: The Widow- Luke 20:41-47; 21:1-4-The Lord’s Supper Sunday, October 9, 2022-Cheerful Giving: The Church-Acts 4:32-37 Sunday, October 16, 2022-Chalk Artist, Randy Davis, reception following the service Sunday, October 23, 2002-Jeanette Levellie, Guest Speaker Sunday, October 30, 2022-Youth Sunday I Count It All Joy, Pastor Vallerie
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The school year has officially begun and Labor Day is just around the corner. The Fall
season will be here before we know it. Change is in the air. The Christian life is about change. When we commit our lives to Jesus Christ and confess that Christ is our Savior and Lord, we embark on a journey of transformation. It is the journey of a lifetime and a journey that we will never compete. As Christians we are called to become like Christ. We are to speak like Jesus, act like Jesus and do the will of the Heavenly Father, as Jesus did. This transformation is a process. As we learn and grow deeper in our faith, we mold our entire being toward Christlikeness in small acts of faith that occur over a lifetime. Letting go of our will and conforming to God’s will is the path that leads us to joy, peace and our true selves. During the month of September, I will be preaching about transformation beginning with the well-known verses in Jeremiah about the Potter’s House. On September 11th, we will join with our brothers and sisters from Paris Presbyterian in worship outside. I will bring a message about grace. After worship, we will enjoy a potluck luncheon together. At the end of the month, I will begin a three-part sermon series on Cheerful Giving which will carry over into October. Speaking of October, please mark your calendars now and plan to attend our service on October 16th . Chalk Artist, Randy Davis, will lead our Morning Worship Service. Please make a special effort to be present and invite a friend, neighbor or family member to come along with you. I know you will be blessed by his presentation. Also save the date…October 30th our Youth will be leading worship. I look forward to seeing in worship as we seek to grow in Christ collectively. Here is a list of the sermons for the month of September: Sunday, September 4, 2022-The Process of Reworking- Jeremiah 18: 1-11-The Lord’s Supper Sunday, September 11, 2022-Amazed By Grace-1 Timothy 1:12-17-Joint Service with Paris Presbyterian @ 10 AM with Potluck luncheon to follow. Sunday, September 18, 2022-Guest Speaker Sunday, September 25, 2022-A Generous Heart-Exodus 35:4-9; 36:2-7 I Count It All Joy, Pastor Vallerie |