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It's time to round up the family and get the kids ready for Summer Camp 2023! Registration for Youth Camps and Family Camp opens NEXT WEDNESDAY, March 1st, and don't forget...you can save $20 off each reservation if you register by April 24th. You can find all the exciting details at www.campakita.com.
Let's summer together! #SetFree23
REGISTRATION NOW OPEN
Our theme this year centers around the question, “How Shall We Go?” Jesus authorizes those who would come after Him to, “Therefore, Go.” We will reflect on that theme of the Great Commission within the context of these turbulent days. Our Family Camp Meeting provides an opportunity to get away, to be around the community of faith, to reset our spiritual batteries, and to enjoy the beautiful outdoors provided by our getaway retreat center. While we pray it will be a time of relaxation, a time for slowing the inner rpm’s of our lives down, we also pray that this will all serve to prepare the way for Jesus and His Spirit to become noticeably present in each life. With the variety of offered activities, all ages can enjoy this respite.
Summer Camp Registration
It's time to round up the family and get the kids ready for Summer Camp 2023! Registration for Youth Camps and Family Camp is OPEN NOW, and don't forget...you can save $20 off each reservation if you register by April 24th. You can find all the exciting details at www.campakita.com.
Let's summer together! #SetFree23
Systematic Giving
Most of us have probably witnessed or experienced this situation... During worship service, as deacons move between the rows, people are nervously searching in their wallets to find something they could put in the offering plate. Some eventually find something, others do not. We all know that offering is part of our worship service, but we don’t always remember it, and are not always ready for it. Thus, we offer whatever is available at the moment, not necessarily what we would have offered, if we were prepared.
I would like to encourage you to plan your systematic giving. After faithfully returning your tithe, think and plan how much you can give for the other needs? Consider how much you have been blessed and how your offerings reflect those blessings? How do they compare to the nonessential spendings in your budget?
In your planning, first remember the needs of your local congregation. Then, the projects of the Illinois Conference, North American Division, and the worldwide church. Plan how much you are going to give each month. When you decide, stick to your commitment and be systematic. I would rather encourage you to start small and to grow as you progress, than to make a big and unrealistic commitment which you will keep changing later. After a few months you can always evaluate your giving and increase it. You can commit to giving a certain dollar amount or the percentage of your income. Some people for example start with 1-5% beyond their tithe, and as they prayerfully grow in this experience, they increase the amount. Whatever you choose, be consistent. Eventually, it will become your habit, and God will show you the next steps in your stewardship journey.