Message from the Pastor's Desk

Summer is here and people begin their exodus to exotic places for some, much longed for, R & R. What getaway place will you and the family be heading off to this summer? Of course, with the summer months, activities at Church slow down a bit. We have fewer events and obligations. Worship attendance usually becomes a little lower than normal. And, generally, the pace of life becomes less harried. And yet, while most of us love summer there is a reminder I'd like you all to remember, the Churches expenses continue. And because this is true, please consider the following that appeared in a church publication a number of years ago, it was an article entitled: "THE CHURCH IS ALWAYS ASKING FOR MONEY!" Have you ever heard anyone say that before? Have you ever said it yourself?

The article stated: "That statement is untrue. It is the world which is always asking for money, not the Church. When did you last go to the grocery store and the checker failed to ask you for money? Your mortgage company asks for money with unfailing regularity. If you are like most people, each month brings a new collection of bills, they never seem to stop. Are any of them from the Church? And, who withholds a percentage of every dollar you earn? Your Uncle Sam does that, your Heavenly Father does not!

There is no free lunch, except at the Church. You can attend worship every week, there's never any admission charge. If you are sick, the clergy will visit you at the hospital, no charge. Where else can you get free counseling when you ask for it? Where will your children get baptized and married? Hundreds of newsletters are sent out every other month. No one ever receives a subscription notice asking for money as other publications do.

You have to pay taxes to provide your children "free" public education, but your Church operates a school each Sunday to give quality faith education with absolutely no cost or obligation. The Church requires no membership fee, no annual dues. It never sends its members a bill, only a statement. Is there any other organization in the world that functions that way? You see, the truth is the Church "asks for money" less than other organizations.

Consider this paradox. Compared to government and the bill collectors, the Church almost never asks for money. Yet of all the things your money could be used for, very few are more important than what the Church provides.

The Church is here to share the love of Jesus Christ himself. Our money goes to serve Him. We will continue to provide ministry in Jesus' name to everyone, whether they can afford to contribute or not. Isn't that something you would like to support with your TIME, TALENTS, AND TREASURES (MONEY)? Some food for thought you won't enjoy off the barbeque this summer, but it's a message worthy of our attention. You may be away this summer but the Churches expenses continue. Thank you for your ongoing support to Old Brick's ministry. We are so very, very grateful. God bless you all.

Yours in Christ,

Pastor George Kaden