Willow River Parish
April 2008

Text: Deuteronomy 14:23 " The purpose of tithing is to teach you always to put God first in your lives."

There have been some questions raised about what really church membership means. I looked into the book of Discipline for full answers.

"When persons unite with a local United Methodist church, they profess their faith in God, the Father Almighty, maker of heaven and earth; in Jesus Christ his only Son, and in the Holy Spirit." When this is said before the congregation, the new members proclaim their desire to live their daily lives as disciples of Jesus Christ.

Together with the other members, they covenant before God, and one another: "To be loyal to the United Methodist church and do all in their power to strengthen its ministries, and to faithfully participate in its ministries by their prayers, their presence, their gifts, and their service."

Further, we are bound to each other for mutual accountability. Our worship attendance is down, and our funds are short. Clear Lake showed a shortfall in January of over $1,500, and in February, even more behind $1,900. Forest and Deer Park are also hurting financially; however, they have some savings from which to draw for expenses, but that cannot continue.

What could you prayerfully do to help, to carry out your membership vows? Could you give a bit more each week as several are now doing? Could you tithe your tax refund to the church?

Prayerfully consider what God is asking of you, as members of Willow River Parish, and of the Kingdom of God.

In His Service,
Pastor Pat