The History of giving a 10% tithe
Throughout 2010 the stewardship theme was ONE in ’10 calling to mind the idea of the Biblical 1/10th tithe as a standard of giving. It is an opportunity to nurture our engagement with God as we give proportionately.
Giving to God in our annual pledges is first and foremost an
opportunity – not a requirement. It is an opportunity to be thankful for all that God has done for us through this community. It is an opportunity to say yes to God and accept the even more abundant gifts God has to offer us throughout our lives. It is not a requirement, though, to experience God’s unbounded love.
Giving to God in our annual pledges is an opportunity to
nurture our relationship with God and the world rather than neglect our responsibilities. Each time we make an offering in this way we have God in mind. That alone is part of our challenge as Christians – to be ever mindful of God and God’s presence with us.
Finally, giving to God in our annual pledges is an opportunity for us to
engage God and the world rather than ignore the needy in the world. Our giving to God at St. Luke’s allows us to continue and expand our outreach ministries and to teach our youth and adults how important our engagement with the world in God’s name is.