One of the challenges that we may be facing during this time of crisis and uncertainty is in our congregational finances. It is understandable. Fewer of us are able to attend church right now, which is when our tithes and offerings are normally given. We also appear to be heading toward a time of economic uncertainty.
This video is a Bible Study on how New Testament churches handled giving in times of scarcity. The presenter is Rev. Bernard Ross, pastor at Trinity Lutheran (LC-MS) in Alma, Missouri.
It is important for us to remember that God has not spared His only Son, and we can be confident that He will also provide for us in all things. We continue to look out for our brothers and sisters in Christ who might be facing hardship. They may need help with groceries. They may need help through a rough spot if they are laid off from their job because business are closed. We provide for our families. We also look out for those in community who have needs and seek to find the best ways to help them.
As Pastor Ross points out, we still also continue to give to the Church during times of need. First, it is our way of acknowledging to God that He is still caring for us, and trusting that He will continue to do so. Secondly, we recognize that because we need God’s Word and Sacrament now as much as ever, the workers of the church need to be taken care of.
As a church, we pray for each other and support each other, bearing each other’s burdens.
If you are unable to attend church, there are three ways available to continue to give. The first is to mail your offering to the church or drop it off during the week.
The second is to enroll in the Lutheran Church Extension Fund’s Joyful Response Program. This program allows you to set an automatic weekly offering from your bank account. To enroll, you can download this form and mail it back to the church, care of the treasurer.
The second way can be done completely online. The payment is handled by Thrivent, and they pay the transaction fee so that the church receives the full amount. For a time, they will even be matching $1 for every $2 given. To give that way, click the button below and enter your information.
Finally, as a Church, we also pray for all of the individuals, families, and business affected by this disease. We pray for health and hope in the face of death. We also pray for the industry and commerce of our nation.
Lord Jesus Christ, as you once shared in our human toil, and thus hallowed the work of our hands, bless and prosper those whose work gives us our daily bread in the agricultural, industrial, and service sectors of our nation. Give them a right regard for their labors, and grant them the just reward of their work that they may find joy in serving you and in supplying our needs; for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.