Text Box: Consecration Sunday Is Coming November 11, 2007 Congregations that approach financial stewardship from a biblical perspective do not view the money Christians give to their church merely as a way to pay its bills. Rather, such congregations see financial contributions as a way to help people grow spiritually in their relationship with God by supporting their church’s mission and ministry with a percentage of their incomes. Our congregation has selected the New Consecration Sunday Stewardship Program as a way to teach the biblical and spiritual principles of generous giving in our stewardship education emphasis this year. New Consecration Sunday is based on the biblical philosophy of the need of the giver to give for his or her own spiritual development, rather than on the need of the church to receive. Instead of treating people like members of a social club who should pay dues, we will treat people like followers of Jesus Christ who want to give unselfishly as an act of discipleship. New Consecration Sunday encourages people toward proportionate and systematic giving in response to the question, “What percentage of my income is God calling me to give?” During morning worship on Consecration Sunday, we are asking our attendees and members to make their financial commitments to our church’s missionary, benevolent, and educational ministries in this community and around the world. Every attendee and member who completes an Estimate of Giving Card does so voluntarily by attending morning worship on Consecration Sunday, November 14th. We also urge people to attend who feel strongly opposed to completing a card. The procedure is done in such a way that no one feels personal embarrassment if he or she chooses not to fill out a card. We will do no home solicitation to ask people to complete cards. During morning worship our guest leader will conduct a brief period of instruction and inspiration, climaxed by members making their commitments as a confidential act of worship. We will encourage participation in Consecration Sunday events through the Consecration Sunday team and governing board members. Since we will make no follow-up visits to ask people to complete their cards, we will make every effort to inform, inspire, and commit everyone to attend Consecration Sunday worship. Thanks in advance for your enthusiastic participation in Consecration Sunday events. Consecration Sunday Chairperson, Bill Cromling II Consecration Sunday Program “stewardship moment” speakers are: October 21st Linda Rodak November 4th Edna Carpenter October 28th Stu Hicks November 11th Harry Bolen Text Box: Pathways Counseling and Growth Center…… Our thanks to Kristy Piper and all the great people at North Eaton Christian Church for the “Pig Roast Fundraiser” for Pathways. The food was great, the fellowship was warm and friendly, and the beautiful music by Logan Wells was inspiring. A lot of time and hard work went into making this the success it was, in spite of the cool and rainy weather. Our thanks also to Jerry & Sharon Mullins and George Butcher for all the time they put into organizing a bike ride. It had to be cancelled because of the weather but the support they showed was great. The $388.00 raised that day will be put to good use. On behalf of the people who will benefit from this money, we say thank you. We are overwhelmed at times by the financial and volunteer support of the people at NECC. God bless you all. The Staff at Pathways Text Box: D a t e s T o R e m e m b e r . . . . . . . Oct. 14th Our 165th Anniversary and Paul’s 25th Anniversary @ NECC Worship and Potluck Dinner @ 12:30 (Last name A-M bring a main dish, N-Z bring a salad or dessert) Meat, table settings, and drinks furnished. Nov. 5th COUNCIL MEMBERS Dinner @ Unicorn in preparation and support for Consecration Sunday Nov. 10th CWF Christmas Bazaar (9:00-3:00) Nov. 11th Consecration Sunday w/ catered lunch for everyone.