A Word of Hope

I was reading an article by Tom Wilkinson who works with the Florida Conference United Methodist Foundation. I think the beginning of his article reflects what all of us are facing in these days. He writes:

“No one needs to be reminded that 2008 has been a horrible year for the world economy.

Home foreclosures, the credit crisis, unemployment, steep stock market declines and shaken consumer confidence have led many church leaders to question how church members and friends will continue to support the vital mission and ministry of our churches in the Florida Conference. And it is during times like these that the church becomes even more important, as we seek to reach out and serve people in our communities, people who are reeling from the loss of a job or home, wondering how to pay for college tuition, and worried about shrinking retirement savings plans, feeling alone and scared.”

I think in times like these we have to remember we trust our Lord to be our Shepherd even more than it good times.

I know many of our people and churches are suffering with a loss of giving. Sometimes these kinds of times cause us to evaluate what is really important. Budgets will reflect our priorities.

I do believe God will see us through this time of difficulty. It may require us to live more simple lives.

Robert F. Sharpe Jr., president of the Sharpe Group, a Memphis planned giving consulting firm, says, “While no one knows the exact extent of the economic crisis we now face, we can take to heart some of the lessons of the Great Depression (of the 1930s).”

Sharpe notes giving did not decline dramatically in the immediate aftermath of the 1929 stock market crash. In fact, giving to Community Chests, which were predecessors of many United Way organizations, rose 15 percent between 1930 and 1931.

While these historic macroeconomic trends may provide some comfort, the current financial crisis still presents real problems for United Methodist churches and agencies.

Remember, we are made in the image of God, the ultimate giver of all that we are and all that we have. We look the most like God when we are generous. We reflect the face of Jesus when we compassionately and generously share what God has given us. Generous giving grows from our need to give as part of our spiritual journey, rather than the church’s need to receive. In other words, the question is, “What is God calling me to give?” rather than “What does my church need from me?”

Together we will make it through these difficult times.

May the Christ Child be the center of your life this Christmas.

Dick Wills
Bishop
Nashville Area
The United Methodist Church