As I mentioned last Sunday, we are behind in our giving for the funding of our 2019 Plan for Mission and Ministry (our budget). We are by no means alone. I don’t know of a United Methodist Church that isn’t struggling this year. Nonetheless, we’re taking up a special offering for UMCOR* Hurricane Relief this Sunday. We’re doing so because we believe we can walk and chew gum at the same time. We’re doing so because our stuggle is nothing compared to the suffering of hurricane victims. We’re doing so because of the example of the churches of Macedonia:

“1 Brothers and sisters, we want to let you know about the grace of God that was given to the churches of Macedonia. 2 While they were being tested by many problems, their extra amount of happiness and their extreme poverty resulted in a surplus of rich generosity. 3 I assure you that they gave what they could afford and even more than they could afford, and they did it voluntarily.” — 2 Corinthians 8:1-3 (CEB)

I’m certain that Macedonian’s poverty was far worse than anything we can imagine and yet they gave generously. We can give to UMCOR and fund our work as a local congregation. Christ calls us to do both. Let us give generously.

*The United Methodist Committee on Relief