Stats on PSM Generosity 2012
Here are some raw stats about the financial giving at PSM this year. (as of 11/1/12)
There were 792 “giving units”. Most of these could be considered households, however, it is possible for there to be more than one giving unit per household if people want to keep their giving records separate (ex- each kid gives separate from parents).
514 gave less than $200 this year
142 gave between $200 – $1000
101 gave between $1000 – $5000
22 gave between $5000 – $10,000
13 gave over $10,000
Sermon Notes – Generous
The ultimate test of your faith is: Are you Generous?
“Well sure, I am giving a ton of gifts this year.” Is there a difference between giving gifts and being generous? You can give gifts without being generous.
Typical Christmas Gift Giving
- It is expected of you. Tradition
- You are returning a favor from last year’s present
- You give first in order to get
Questions to Ponder:
- How much of the money you are spending is giving from a generous heart vs. obligatory heart?
- What if you only gave from generous perspective? Would it change WHO you give to? If it were totally generous, would it include a different group?
Generous – liberal in giving or sharing; unselfish: Giving with no concern for recompense. There is nothing about the definition of generosity that says you have to be rich to be generous. It is a heart condition.
Xmas
sights and sounds of xmas
Xmas has been used for hundreds of years in religious writing, where the X represents a Greek chi, the first letter of Χριστος, “Christ.” In this use it is parallel to other forms like Xtian, “Christian.” But people unaware of the Greek origin of this X often mistakenly interpret Xmas as an informal shortening pronounced (ĕks’məs). Many therefore frown upon the term Xmas because it seems to them a commercial convenience that omits Christ from Christmas.
Straight from answers.com
Prayer for the Local Church
Today, we give thanks for the local church. Scripture compares the church to a body and tonight is attempt to bring that body together. We strive for unity. Not a bunch of churches getting together, but The Church getting together. Many branches but one tree. Many parts but one purpose. We are thankful to God that he has given us this method of establishing His kingdom here on earth. The local church saves the lost, feeds the hungry, clothes the naked, visits the imprisoned, heals the sick, rebukes the devourer. Each November those that are involved in the San Marcos Ministers’ Association gather as sort of a heaven practice. All gathered in one place, at one time, in one mind to worship and give thanks to our creator and Savior.
Heavenly Father, we thank you for providing this vehicle called the local church. Where strangers become family and broken are mended. Thank you for the spiritual community of San Marcos, TX. Lord, we are grateful that you have placed us in this place at this time for this moment of your kingdom. We pray that we will take the rightful responsibility as your church and not squander our resources and talents, but we will rise to the great calling you have placed on us. To be the Salt of San Marcos. To be the light of the world. A city on a hill that cannot be hidden. May your light permeate from your church to the darkest parts of this community. Endue us with power from your Holy Spirit to build your kingdom, we pray in Jesus’ Name, Amen!
Sermon Notes Nov11, 2012
Before the Moment
John 4:23 But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.”(ESV)
Truth: Aletheia – The reality lying at the basis of an appearance; the manifested, veritable essence of a matter. Worship at the BASE LEVEL of the heart. To understand base level, lets talk about the three levels of communication.
1 John 3: 18 Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.
- Verbal communication – (lowest level) Saying things matter.
Confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord. However, this level of communication can be misused. Matthew 21:28-31 summary –
Robin Steele 