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Is there anyone else who feels like August is sprinting by faster than we can keep up? One minute it’s summer vacations and block party BBQs, the next it’s school sports practices and band camp. 😵💫 Wherever you find yourself, simply take a deep breath and enjoy these moments.
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We're continuing our weekly series, Four Myths of Giving, and today we'll explore a surprising lesson from a college student with almost nothing to spare, a widow with two small coins, and a Savior who gave everything.
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Myth #2 - I'm Too Poor To Give
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Many years ago, I heard a woman in her late 40s share a story about the time she truly surrendered everything to God. She had grown up in church, made a childhood confession of faith, and was baptized as a teen, so she considered herself a dedicated follower of Jesus. She even went to church every Sunday during her college years, unlike most of her fellow students.
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However, she had to put herself entirely through university, so she worked nights and weekends, putting in nearly 40 hours per week as a waitress on top of her studies. Doing this allowed her to pay rent, fill her car with gas, and cover her college tuition... but just barely. She had next to nothing in her savings account. In fact, she said she couldn't even afford to go out to a movie with friends. (And this was back when movies were cheap!)
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And so, because she didn't have much money, she didn't give anything to her church. She justified it by saying that once she graduated from college and got a "real" job, then she would start giving.
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However, one Sunday, the pastor's sermon "ruined" her plans. The passage for the day was the story of the Widow's Mite, found in Mark 12:41–44. As she listened to the pastor share about Jesus praising the widow for giving the equivalent of two pennies (which was all the widow had), this woman suddenly realized tithing wasn't about giving out of your abundance but about giving from whatever you have.
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As we see in 2 Corinthians 8:1-5, the Jesus-followers in Macedonia were praised for their sacrificial giving. They didn't have much. In fact, they should have been the recipients of donations because of their poverty! However, they wanted to give to help others, even though it cost them dearly.
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Likewise, from an earthly perspective, Jesus possessed very little. And yet, He gave everything for you. So giving isn't about how much you make, but about honoring the One who gave it all for you.
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All School Prayer Night
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Join us THIS SUNDAY, August 17th @ 7:00pm at each Waverly-area school to pray for the year ahead. Let’s unite in Jesus’ name as we lift up our students, schools, & community in prayer!
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Final Summer Hangout
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You are invited to join us for our final Riverwood Hangout of the summer! Join us at Cedar Bend Park (East Shelter) on Wednesday, August 19th @ 6:00-8:00pm. Bring a friend, and we’ll see you then!
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Youth Group Kickoff
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Middle and High School students (7th-12th Graders)! This is your invitation to our Youth Group Kickoff on Wednesday, August 26th @ 7:00-8:30pm! It’ll be an evening full of games, food, & hanging out together, so invite your friends!
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No Kids Creek - Aug 30
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Heads-up, Parents: There will be no Kids Creek this Sunday, August 30th as it is the fifth Sunday of the month. We look forward to having your kiddos join us for worship and the message! The Nursery will be available and staffed for children ages 3 and under.
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Be sure to join us Sunday, September 6th for Move-Up Sunday as we celebrate and pray for our students moving up a grade!
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