Stress. Anxiety. Fear. These words capture well the state of mind of many of us in America today. We have witnessed dramatic market losses, the collapse of the world’s largest insurance company, and many bankruptcies and mergers. Every day seems to bring another piece of economic uncertainty.

A recent survey found that over three in four Americans are stressed about the economy and their personal finances. Half were worried about providing for their family’s basic needs. Over half of respondents reported feeling angry and irritable, and reported lying awake at night worried about this. The report concludes that, “The declining state of the nation’s economy is taking a physical and emotional toll on people nationwide.”¹ Join us in worship for a sermon series entitled Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity beginning October 4th and continuing each Sunday for four weeks. Our nation is experiencing what many have described as the “American Nightmare.” Increasing consumer debt, declines in savings, lower income growth, and a volatile stock market are all a part of our economic insecurity. We have lived in a society that tells us “you deserve it now,” whether or not we can afford it or really even need it.

All of us have struggled with these issues at one time or another. They are important issues that we cannot ignore. This is why, over the next four weeks beginning October 4th, we will be having a churchwide study and worship emphasis called Enough: Discovering Joy Through Simplicity and Generosity. During this time we will explore what the Bible teaches us about financial management through corporate worship and small group study using the book by the same title written by Adam Hamilton, senior pastor for Church of the Resurrection UMC in Leawood, Kansas. The books are available at the church office and will be distributed by 9/27/09 so that each group participating in this study can prepare for the first session on or before Sunday, October 4th. We’ll hear expert advice and stories about what others have learned by working through financial challenges. Each week we will provide you with some practical tools you can use to assess your financial situation and develop a financial plan with a biblical foundation.

At the conclusion of the emphasis, we will have the opportunity to make personal commitments of our offerings to God through our church in the coming year. We will consecrate these commitments in the worship service on the first two Sundays in November (see the schedule that follows).

I hope you will join us in the coming weeks as we look at how we can manage our financial resources and truly experience simplicity, generosity, and joy.

1 “Eight Out of Ten Americans Stressed Because of Economy,” by Madison Park, from CNN.com, October 7, 2008; http://www.cnn.com/2008/HEALTH/conditions/10/07/economic.stress/index.html.

Churchwide small study group opportunities

Beginning Sunday, October 4th, the churchwide study of Enough: Discovering Joy through Simplicity and Generosity will begin and continue through the month of October. You are invited to participate in this study through a small study group format. There are several small study group opportunities listed below for your consideration:

• Adult Sunday School classes which meet at 9:30 AM each Sunday morning
  • Nowlin Class located in the Sanctuary Building on the second floor (sanctuary level)
  • Covenant Class located in the Education Building in the Wesleyan Room on the first floor
  • Faithbuilders Class located in the Education Building in theFellowship Hall on the first floor
  • Journey Class located in the Education Building on the second floor
• Evening study groups which will meet at 7 P.M. in the Wesleyan Room of the Education Building
  • Sunday evenings beginning October 4th
  • Wednesday evenings beginning October 7th
  • Thursday evenings beginning October 8th

Please call the church office at 274-6895 or Rosemary Potter at 274-3488 to sign up for one of these evening groups. If you will need childcare, let us know when you register for the group.

Books will be available in the church office, through the adult Sunday School classes and during the worship services on September 27th and October 4th for pick up. If you wish to make a donation to cover the cost of the book, it would be greatly appreciated. Cost of the book is $7.00.

Please make plans to join us as we all explore Enough: Discovering Joy through Simplicity and Generosity !!

Please call the church office at 274-6895 or Rosemary Potter at 274-3488 to sign up for one of these evening groups. If you will need childcare, let us know when you register for the group.

Books will be available in the church office, through the adult Sunday School classes and during the worship services on September 27th and October 4th for pick up. If you wish to make a donation to cover the cost of the book, it would be greatly appreciated. Cost of the book is $7.00.

Please make plans to join us as we all explore Enough: Discovering Joy through Simplicity and Generosity !!

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Open Hearts
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Open Minds
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Open Doors