FAITH COLUMN

6. We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your faith; 7. If it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; 8. If it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead, do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully.

— Romans 12:5-8 (NIV)

In this last message of series of messages that I have spent with you, I want to talk about giving. But please read on. It’s not what you think.

The Christian community here in Fort Stockton is unique to most other places that I have lived and served. In many larger communities, there is no (or minimally active) Ministerial Alliance.

The head thinks it’s the most important. The hand thinks it is the most important. The foot thinks it’s the most important.

I sometimes wish that you attend our alliance meetings in Fort Stockton and see how it is different here. We have come to realize that we can work together and accomplish so much more than we could alone. No one single church has to bear the burden of meeting all the needs of the community. Resources can be spread around.

However, many of our churches are struggling and unable to help support the alliance in a way that we can meet the growing needs. Over the years, the alliance has gained some additional sources of income. We have the offerings from the Lenten Lunches and the Easter Sunrise Service. There are also the Community Thanksgiving services. We encourage everyone to join these non-denominational gatherings. Ask your pastor, priest, or church leader about them.

We also support other activities throughout the year. In April we will be having a spring sale of donated items and the proceeds will go to El Buen Vecino. El Buen Vecino is the local thrift center for those who are struggling and in need of clothing and essentials. Like everyone else, they have to pay for utilities and this sale is to help them to be able to continue doing that. They provide a vital service in our community. The sale will be held at First Christian Church on South Rio.

The work of the Ministerial Alliance helps to bring the Body of Christ together in our community, to serve together, work with one another, learn about each other, and lift the people around us. So, I ask you, when you give, give generously. You never know who you might be helping, but you know that your resources are filling a need for someone in our community. God bless you all.