First Presbyterian Church of Winchester

Serving Christ and Neighbor in Winchester and Beyond since 1800

  • Home
  • Contact Us
  • Sign-Up to Usher or Greet
  • Service Times
  • Are You New?
    • Directions & Parking
    • Accessibility
    • Child Care
    • Sunday School
    • Membership
  • About Us
    • Beliefs
    • History
      • Boyd Memorial Chapel
    • Affiliations
    • Baptism
    • Communion
    • Weddings
    • Request to Use the Facilities
    • Church Leadership
    • Staff
    • Employment
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
  • Ministries
    • Children’s Ministry
      • CM News
      • Kids Sunday School
      • Child Care
      • Safe Sanctuaries
      • Sign up for the Weekly CM Email Blast
      • Vacation Bible School
    • Youth Ministry
    • Adult Christian Education
    • Weekday Preschool
    • Mission and Outreach
    • WATTS 2022
    • Care and Compassion
    • Prayer
    • Music
      • Children’s Choirs
    • Worship
      • Watch Worship Online
      • Worship and Discipleship Council Collaboration
      • New Stone Gathering
    • Stewardship
      • Make a Pledge!
      • Questions and Answers About Pledging
      • Planned Gifting
      • Automatic Withdrawal
        • Printable Form
      • Frequently Asked Questions About Donating Online
      • Donate
  • News & Events
    • View Online Worship Services
    • eNotice
    • Calendar
    • Subscribe to Weekly eNotices
    • Member Directory
  • Sermons
    • Dan McCoig
    • Amanda Thomas
  • WATCH WORSHIP
You are here: Home / Uncategorized / November 10, 2013 Sermon: “Joy through Generosity”

November 10, 2013 Sermon: “Joy through Generosity”

November 10, 2013 by Todd Bowman

November 10, 2013

Consecration Sunday

“Joy Through Generosity”

The Rev. Maren Sonstegard-Spray

Malachi 3:6-12 

6 For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, have not perished. 7 Ever since the days of your ancestors you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts. But you say, “How shall we return?  Will anyone rob God? Yet you are robbing me! But you say, “How are we robbing you?” In your tithes and offerings! 9 You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me—the whole nation of you! 10 Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in my house, and thus put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts; see if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing. 11 I will rebuke the locust for you, so that it will not destroy the produce of your soil; and your vine in the field shall not be barren, says the Lord of hosts. 12 Then all nations will count you happy, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts.

 

2 Corinthians 8:1-9

We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia; 2 for during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.

3 For, as I can testify, they voluntarily gave according to their means, and even beyond their means, 4 begging us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this ministry to the saints— 5 and this, not merely as we expected; they gave themselves first to the Lord and, by the will of God, to us, 6 so that we might urge Titus that, as he had already made a beginning, so he should also complete this generous undertaking among you.

7 Now as you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in utmost eagerness, and in our love for you—so we want you to excel also in this generous undertaking. 8 I do not say this as a command, but I am testing the genuineness of your love against the earnestness of others. 9 For you know the generous act of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, so that by his poverty you might become rich.

 

Imagine you are packing for a trip.  You have your empty bag laid out before.  You know how many days you will need clothes for, the weather, the activities you will be doing.

How do you know when you have enough stuff?

If you get everything in that you think you need, but there is still a little extra room, will you fill up the empty space with something you just might need?

Maybe you all are great packers, but this process stresses me out.  How do I know that I’ve packed enough? What if it snows, what if it rains, what if there is a freak heat wave?

 

Dear God, help me not spends hours worrying about this, because I realize in the big picture it doesn’t really matter all that much.

 

I came across this phrase “the enough point” – I think it is a back-packing term – it is the point when you know that you have everything you need to survive, and your back-pack isn’t so heavy that it will make you fall over (that’s a rough definition I just made up).   The enough point – I wish I just knew when I reached it.

 

Thanks to the stewardship team we’ve been living with this idea of generosity for over a month, and I knew this sermon was coming, so I’ve been contemplating for a while what makes a person generous – it isn’t something we are born with.

Children are born with almost no impulse control; everything they see belongs to them, and God help you if you try to take it away from them.

 

But then we learn generosity.  Our parents and teachers tell us that we must share – we are not a big fan of that but everyone seems to be in on this.  And then we fall in love with Jesus and discover a generosity growing within us that has nothing to do with people telling us it is the right thing to do – let them try and stop us from being generous – which is what Paul is witnessing in the Macedonian church:

 

“We want you to know, brothers and sisters, about the grace of God that has been granted to the churches of Macedonia; for during a severe ordeal of affliction, their abundant joy and their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part. For, as I can testify, they voluntarily gave according to their means, and even beyond their means, begging us earnestly for the privilege of sharing in this ministry to the saints”

 

And that kind of generosity happens because we discover exactly what Paul is talking about when he is writing this letter to the Corinthian church – we discover that Jesus, who had everything, poured himself out for us, so that we might have everything.  And so we learn generosity from our Maker who did not withhold even his son, but gave him for us.  We are generous because God has already out-given us.  And that must be our starting place when we approach generosity – we are responding not out of guilt but out of love and gratitude.

 

And that is also the point of the Malachi passage – God is telling his people, in essence, “We are in this relationship and I have not changed, you are the ones who have been unfaithful – and this is how you have been unfaithful: I have given you everything and you have stopped giving back. Come back, I am waiting for you.”

 

There are lots of barriers to generosity.

 

Fear – we talked about that a couple weeks ago – we listen the narrative our minds create about what would happen if we tithed or we made a financial commitment to be generous and there wasn’t enough – to buy food, or pay the bills – and we don’t listen to the narrative that tells us what happens to our faith when we are unwilling to give.  Donald Miller, the author of “Blue Like Jazz” shares about what it felt like when he learned how to tithe.  This is what he writes, “Before, I felt like I was always going to God with my fingers crossed, the way a child feels around his father when he knows he has told terrible lies.  God knew where I was, He didn’t love me any different when I was holding out on him, it’s just that I didn’t feel clean around Him, and you know how that can affect things . . . It is possible not to let possessions own me, to rest happily in the security that God, not money, can give.  I have been feeling that a little lately.”

 

We fear not having enough.  I think in order to awaken joyful generosity in our hearts we need to rediscover a theology of enough.  In the book, The Irresistible Revolution, Shane Claiborne says, “We need neither the gospel of prosperity, nor the poverty gospel, but the gospel of abundance rooted in a theology of enough.”

When God was taking care of the Israelites in the desert God tells them to gather only what they will need for today – gather enough for one day.  And when the Israelites were greedy and gathered too much maggots devoured the manna.   And those who had much did not have too much.  And those who had little did not have too little.  Everyone had enough.  “Give us this day our daily bread” – and that will be enough for us.

 

When we looked at Sabbath keeping a couple months ago, there are two reasons given for why we should keep the Sabbath – these are found in Exodus and Deuteronomy.

 

One reason is because we were slaves and now we are free people, and we honor the God who freed us by stopping – free people can choose to stop, slaves cannot.

 

The other reason is that God spent six days making the heavens and the earth and sea and all that is in them, and then he rested on the seventh day – not because he was tired, but because it was complete – it was enough.

 

Our faith tells us that our world, our lives are not meant to be endlessly productive – at some point, it is enough.

 

Sabbath keeping accomplishes a lot in our lives but I think one of the most crucial things is that it gives us a regular, desperately needed opportunity to look around us and for one day say, it is enough – do I, do we, really need more than this?

 

I’ve been paying attention to commercials ever since we talked about Sabbath keeping – because I can see how often commercials are selling me Sabbath, they are selling us “stopped” – the woman who gently sips a cup of coffee (from a fantastic new coffee maker) while resting in the sunlight – who does that? Nobody has time for that!  A family sharing a relaxed meal of hamburger helper at the dinner table, smiling and enjoying each other’s company.   Realistically how often does that happen?  Thanksgiving, that’s when that happens.

 

Another thing I am profoundly aware of is that they are trying to sell me the idea that I do not have enough – you absolutely need “fill in the blank” – a better washer and dryer, one that gets out wrinkles (because heaven help us if there are wrinkles)– and a better coffee machine that makes a fancy drink like a barista – a car that will park and break for me.

 

We are fed a lie by the world that we do not have enough – you can’t truly be generous if you have no idea what your enough point is.

 

This is why I believe that tithing is so good for us – God intended generosity to be good for us.   Because it causes us to look deeply at our lives and say, “this is enough” – and then give the rest away with joy.

 

Amen.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Serving Christ and Neighbor in the Heart of Winchester and Beyond

View Online Worship Services

Facebook Feed

Instagram Feed

firstpresbyterianwinchester

A Thoughtful, Compassionate, and Engaged Faith-Based Community.
🌿 All Welcome 🌿
♡ 🌈 ♡
#oldtownwinchester

First Presbyterian Winchester
“What if we shifted our model of church membersh “What if we shifted our model of church membership to church partnership? I could no longer say I am a member of First Presbyterian Church. I would have to say that in Christ I am a partner with others in Christ at First Presbyterian Church who together do God’s justice and love God’s mercy and walk humbly with God.”

The Jesus Following Movement |May 22, 2022 | Dan McCoig
#firstpreswinc #fpcwinc #sermon #sunday #oldtownwinchester
Pictured here are donations from just this week! I Pictured here are donations from just this week! Isn't that awesome?

There's still time to donate!
Sunday or throughout the following week between the hours of 9AM - 2PM. 

#FPC #firstpreswinc #fpcwinc #thankyou
To read the full statement, please visit PC(USA)’s website. It can be found under the “News” Heading. 
May 17, 2022 
#pcusa #matthew25 #fpcwinc
“I’m not sure what it’s going to take for us “I’m not sure what it’s going to take for us to see all of our neighbors as people who were created by God, redeemed by God, and sustained by God — who bear God’s image.  But it’s the place we will need to get to if there is to be hope for us.”

A Living God | 15 May 2022 |  Dan McCoig

#fpcwinc #oldtownwinchester #sermon #msv #lovethyneighbor
The wagon will be at service - this Sunday! Thank The wagon will be at service - this Sunday!

Thank you to all who support this longstanding tradition of giving with CCAP. 

#winchesterva #fpcwinc #fpcwinchester
eNotice- eNotice-
Instagram post 17956345597681536 Instagram post 17956345597681536
Join us for Worship Outside! Sun MAY 29 | 10 AM On Join us for Worship Outside!
Sun MAY 29 | 10 AM
Only one service | Old Town Cidery
326 N. Cameron St
Galatians 6:2: "Carry each other’s burdens and s Galatians 6:2:
"Carry each other’s burdens and so you will fulfill the law of Christ."
We hope to see you there tonight! We hope to see you there tonight!
"We know this epic love story but we cannot stop a "We know this epic love story but we cannot stop at its familiarity. We open ourselves up to the unexpected as we arrive at the tomb and realize we have to lay our own spices down, letting go of what we know how to do to step toward whatever is next. … Do not be daunted by the symbols and signs of death. Do not be overwhelmed by what is, or what you hope will be."

— Commentary by Rev. Larissa Kwong Abazia on Luke 24:1-12
Image: “Prepared” by Hannah Garrity | sanctifiedart #fpcwinc #lent 

A Sanctified Art (sanctifiedart.org / sanctifiedart)
"One day, one day we will say, “It is finished "One day,
one day 
we will say, 
“It is finished”
and only mean the 
book we just read,
the cake we just baked,
the song that made us sing,
the meal around the table,
the familiar drive back home."

—Excerpt from “It Is Finished” by Rev. Sarah Speed
From the Full to the Brim poetry collection by sanctifiedart #fpcwinc #lent 

A Sanctified Art (sanctifiedart.org / sanctifiedart)
eNotice-Easter. Click the link in the bio to read eNotice-Easter. Click the link in the bio to read this week's eNotice.
"We live in a world that feels woefully unfair, th "We live in a world that feels woefully unfair, that is woefully unfair. It is unfair that certain people aren’t seen in their full humanity. It is unfair that not seeing this humanity leads to suffering, mistreatment, lack of care, and loss of life. And yet, when we mourn these situations and honor humanity, we show that our capacity to love has not been taken away in all this."

— Commentary by Rev. Ashley DeTar Birt on John 19:1-30
Image: “Posca” by Carmelle Beaugelin | sanctifiedart #fpcwinc #lent 

A Sanctified Art (sanctifiedart.org / sanctifiedart)
"For me, there is a liminality to standing with my "For me, there is a liminality to standing with my feet submerged, not far from dry ground. Whether a boat ride or baptism, you’re going somewhere you’ve never been when you decide to take that step. The disciples have no idea where their own journey will take them. Peter is at first reluctant to even dip his toes into the water—into the liminality. But they’re assured they’ll be with Jesus on the other side."

— from the artist statement for “Threshold” by Rev. T. Denise Anderson | sanctifiedart #fpcwinc #lent 

A Sanctified Art (sanctifiedart.org / sanctifiedart)
“For now, alongside the disciples, we are invite “For now, alongside the disciples, we are invited to surrender to the moment. Take our shoes off and feel the solid ground below. Rest our weary bodies and souls to be cleansed by the water splashing in the basin. Through these waters, we will become more deeply present to the days ahead.”

—Rev. Larissa Kwong Abazia
Commentary on John 13:1-17, 31b-35 for sanctifiedart #fpcwinc #lent 

A Sanctified Art (sanctifiedart.org / sanctifiedart)
"God of mercy, one of the last things you did for "God of mercy, one of the last things you did for your disciples was wash their feet. It was love in action. Remind us that we are worthy of that same generous love. Help us receive and trust authentic love when it is given. We too are worthy of being cared for. Amen."

—Prayer by Rev. Sarah Speed | sanctifiedart #fpcwinc #lent 

A Sanctified Art (sanctifiedart.org / sanctifiedart)
"Justice will bubble up, hope will raise its head "Justice will bubble up, 
hope will raise its head, 
love will rise to the surface. 
Hate and fear will try to 
drown them out,
but you cannot silence 
what was here first, 
which was love,
and it was good.
It was so good.
So even the stones will cry out. 
Remember that 
at your parade."

— Excerpt from "Even the Stones Will Cry Out" by Rev. Sarah Speed
Image: “Even the Stones Cry Out” by Rev. Lauren Wright Pittman | sanctifiedart #fpcwinc #lent 

A Sanctified Art (sanctifiedart.org / sanctifiedart)
“Expressing our joys, telling our truths, asking “Expressing our joys, telling our truths, asking the questions we need to ask, repenting and making amends, being our honest and authentic selves—these things are too important to be silent. We shouldn’t have to restrain ourselves because some may temporarily experience discomfort.”

—Rev. Ashley DeTar Birt
Commentary on Luke 19:28-40 for sanctifiedart #fpcwinc #lent 

A Sanctified Art (sanctifiedart.org / sanctifiedart)
"Dear God, we all know the perfect sting of a crit "Dear God, we all know the perfect sting of a critic, calling us out when we go our own way. We all know the fear that tells us to stay put, and the anxiety around doing a new thing. It can be all-encompassing. Remind us to trust our gut, to listen to our heart, and to follow where you lead. Help us be brave. Help us be faithful. Amen."

—Prayer by Rev. Sarah Speed | sanctifiedart #fpcwinc #lent 

A Sanctified Art (sanctifiedart.org / sanctifiedart)
Load More Follow on Instagram

Return to top

First Presbyterian Church of Winchester | 116 South Loudoun Street | Winchester, Virginia, USA, 22601

Tele. No.: 540-662-3824 | Fax: 540-662-8498