As you are aware if you have been in worship recently, Trinity is in the middle of our annual stewardship campaign. Matt and Christina Dover have been doing an excellent job of leading us to examine our stewardship and to take a good look at the programs that our congregation supports. One of the things that I have learned over the years is that people give out of gratitude to God and to programs that they understand have meanings and touch lives. When we think about what we give, we think about the ways that what we give help others. Take a guess as to how many peoplewe touch through our ministries. I can’t give an answer, but I can point to some hints. We average slightly under 200 people in worship on Sunday morning. That’s about 200 people whose lives are brought closer to God and who find a way to grow in discipleship, and who find help in their times of need. We average 105 or so in Church School–105 whose lives are encouraged and strengthened. Among these are children, youth and adults who are seeking to grow in discipleship. In addition, we offer Bible Studies and programs that touch even more lives. We have folks who are involved in ministries within the York community– and our support of PATH, Interfaith Hospitality, the Thrift Store, the Transient Fund and other local activities touches hundreds of lives. Missions in SC, in Mississippi and Louisiana as well as in the Sudan and other places touch hundreds of lives. In addition, through the gifts that go to the Rock Hill District, the SC Conference and to the World Service fund of the UMC we touch lives in other places.

Of course, your offerings do keep bulletins and newsletters going out, the power from going out, the music going on, and the buildings from falling down. These expenses are a part of what we do, because they enable us to be in ministry wherever we can. Your offerings pay staff salaries so that Jill and Alice and David and Carrie and David and I can be where we need to be to do the work that we are called to do.

Of course, we are stewards of more than money. In later weeks I want to talk about our stewardship of time and talents and gifts and service and witness. Meanwhile, as we get closer to Thanksgiving, please think about how much God has given us and how we can return to God the things that he has given us.

God bless each one. Gene Feagin, Pastor