Ever wonder where your dollars go when you give to CCC? Here’s a glimpse of the outreach, connection, and transformation you support with every gift.
Centennial Family,
Not long ago, I was at my desk when a couple came into the office. We chatted for a while, and I got to know a little about their story. After some conversation, they asked, “Is there anything you can do to help?” Based on some of the challenges they were facing, I was not surprised by the question.
Here’s the good news: whenever people come to the church seeking help—whether they need someone to listen and pray, a full tank of gas, or assistance with more complex challenges—we can almost always say, “Yes.” Thanks to the financial health of our church, including the general fund and designated funds like Benevolence and Housing Assistance, we’re able to help many people each year. I am so grateful that is the case!
But here’s the hard part: even when we do help, there are often challenges far beyond what a single conversation or act of assistance can solve. That’s what struck me while talking to this couple. They were so grateful for the help we could give, but it was clear their need was still great. When they left, I felt a heavy heart. I wished I could do more but wasn’t sure what more I could do.
I wrestled with that feeling throughout the day. I’m guessing you have wrestled in similar ways. Now, I would be foolish to think one short financial blurb in one church email could come close to resolving the great tensions of living in a world of abundance where some must live with almost nothing. But there is one thing I kept thinking about that I wanted to share.
This conversation was (among many things) a reminder to be grateful. They found a place to stay and a few more meals, but their housing and food insecurity is still real. I don’t need to wonder where I am sleeping tonight. I don’t wonder where my next meal comes from. In fact, the things I do wonder and worry about can feel foolish when I compare it to the worries of this couple. There’s a toxin in the air that easily blinds us to abundance in our lives. Gratitude opens our eyes.
Here is my hope in sharing this story. I hope we will be a community that knows how to give with a sincere heart of gratitude. I hope we can see just how much we have and be grateful for it. I pray we would not give from a sense of shame or obligation, but with joy. I believe that is already true for many, but I know I received an important reminder today. May it be a helpful reminder for us all.
Here’s my prayer:
God may all we give—our finances, our time, and our abilities—come from a deep heart of gratitude. May we recognize and celebrate the abundance in our lives. May generosity be a gift of joy, not burdened by reluctance, guilt, or shame, but flowing freely from our overflowing cup. Amen.
May you know the abundance of God today. May it bring you to a place of gratitude. And may that gratitude result in an overflow of generosity.
Here’s a snapshot of our current finances through January. Thank you for faithfully supporting the ministries of God through Centennial Covenant Church.
Grace and peace,
Karl
Here is a snapshot of current finances.
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