We Are Ready; Are You?
The appropriate response to experiencing God’s blessings and grace is generosity. When we know we are blessed, our giving is an act of love. This is what Paul is teaching the people of Corinth with his words of inspiration in 2 Corinthians 8. “For if the eagerness is there, the gift is acceptable according to what one has…”
The word eagerness in the original Greek is “prothumia” (προθυμία). A second and helpful translation for it is ready. The root infers being inclined to give, and that inclination comes out of a response to God’s blessings. The sense is that we are filled with the Spirit and eager. Zeal and enthusiasm are hallmarks of “prothumia.” Essentially, God’s work on our grateful heart makes us ready to give.
The question each of us has to answer is one of inclination. Are you ready?
The Readiness Fund is born out of a desire to respond to God’s work in the hearts and lives of Sheridan members who wish to make a difference. As an intentionally debt-free congregation, we seek to operate out of our blessings and maintain the spiritual momentum that has made our congregation a leading community. At the same time, we know that the cost of maintaining our mission, ministry and facilities continues to grow. Often congregations choose the path of debt to fund special projects. Sheridan’s vision is to pre-fund capital improvements and ministry, above and beyond the general expenses of the church, so that we can continue to steward that which is so vitally important to us.
We are ready! Over time leaders of Sheridan will vision for projects that we are ready, by the grace of God, to embark upon. We will ask, “Are you ready” to join us in each endeavor?
Each family will be asked to support the Readiness Fund. Gifts may be designated to specific mission, ministry or facility project. Undesignated and excess funds will be used where necessary. Mission, ministry and capital building enhancements will commence when funds received allow. We trust the Spirit will lead us to hear God’s call and that you will generously respond over time. We are ready. Are you?