October 2022
Dear People of Saint Thomas,
What motivates you to financially support the mission of God here at STL through your tithes and offerings?
For many people it is GRATITUDE to God as he provides for their every need. Some people are motivated by their COMMITMENT to the mission and ministry of STL – they see what God is doing here and wish to do all they can to support it. Another option is that someone sees giving as THE RIGHT THING TO DO … they are acquainted with Malachi 3.8-10 and believe that faith without actions (like sacrificial giving) is dead. And then there are those who RECOGNIZE THE NEED – they see what is going on in our world and wish to make a positive impact against the forces of evil. For numerous people, I am sure it is a combination of factors.
One might say that the bottom line is simply that people financially support God’s work here at Saint Thomas because God is at work in them, growing love and generosity in their hearts. However, he never forces anyone to do anything. “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work.” (2 Corinthians 9.6-8)
The US economy is going through a difficult time. Every home is feeling the bite of inflation. The same is true here at STL. Over the past two months we have witnessed a major dip in offerings to the point that some of our bills are going unpaid. This letter is a gentle request for you to consider the thoughts expressed above as you prayerfully review your financial support for the mission and ministry of STL.
And may God continue to richly bless you in every way,
Pastor Mark W. Hetzner
