Generosity is less about the amount of money we put into the plate and more about the grateful heart of the believer. And we know that God is all about the heart! For two weeks in October, we are going to combine our stewardship message with the songs of Tasha Layton. Tasha is a contemporary Christian artist who appeared on American Idol and has won several awards. She is now a well known Christian music singing artist who will perform a concert at Christ Lutheran on October 27. Make sure to get your tickets! Her words of gratitude for all that God has done fit nicely into our theme of a generous heart.

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On October 15, we will focus on Tasha’s hit song, Into the Sea, in which she speaks about the wreckage in her life and the years of blaming others. When she encountered God who overcame the hurt and tossed it all into the sea, the voice whispered deep within her, “It’s gonna be OK.” It is with gratitude that we place our past into God’s arms of mercy and our future into his embrace of hope.

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On October 22, we will hear the lyrics from another hit song, How Far.  How far will God’s love and mercy go? If I run away, he pursues me. If I sin, he is eager to forgive. If I forget Him, he can never forget me. How far will God’s love and mercy go? There are no boundaries, there are no miles, there are no sins that have every discovered the limits of God’s love. It is with a heart of gratitude that we will never know how far God’s love will go.

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As we think about the gratitude in our hearts for all that God has done, we will bring forth our IntentionCard to worship on Reformation Day, October 29. You can also choose to email your 2024 giving confidentially to our Finance Director, Gwen Zuendel, at gzuendel@christelca.org.

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I know there is so much uncertainty out there. From rising interest rates to inflation cost, to unpredictable stock markets and presidential races. Everything is telling us to hold back, don’t commit, play it safe and wait and see. But there is one thing that towers above the bad news that surrounds us every day. God is Good! His Promises are sure. And this Grateful heart for all of God’s blessings that outshine, out promise and out perform anything in this world.

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With Deep Gratitude

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Pastor Scott

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