“Let each one [give] as he has made up his own mind and purposed in his heart, not reluctantly or sorrowfully or under compulsion, for God loves (He takes pleasure in, prizes above other things, and is unwilling to abandon or to do without) a cheerful (joyous, "prompt to do it") giver [whose heart is in his giving]. [Prov. 22:9.]” 2 Corinthians 9:7 AMPC
I swung by the coffee shop this morning to find it closed. Many restaurants remain open for take-out only, but every business is making decisions on how best to protect their workers. Now we’re deciding if and when to order food to go, not because we need it but out of a desire to keep some of our local people in business. I saw one twitter user who said she paid her hair-dresser 3 months in advance, looking forward to when the virus lockdown will have lifted, but wanting to take care of this person in the meantime.
The good news – great news in fact – is that much of the work of the church goes on. There is a lot of activity in preparing lessons for kids, sermons, and now events for Easter Week, even if they are mailed out or experienced virtually. People are working to stay connected, though being unable to see folks in nursing homes or even those we may only see on a Wednesday/Sunday is heart-breaking.
If you get to drive by the church this week, you will also see a couple trucks out front. We are getting two of our aged heaters replaced by a local firm. (The oldest heater was original to the first sanctuary! Expect much lower heating bills when this is done.) Timing is good in that respect; they have uninterrupted time and space to work.
I’m reminded that about 60% of our church budget goes to staff and 30% to building and maintenance and fixed expenses, “keeping the lights on.” Like everything else, these may slow down but never stop.
Here are three options for church giving from home: 1) App: signup for free on the tithe.ly app and find Wabash Alliance Church. https://get.tithe.ly/
2) Use your bank’s online billpay option.
Either of these two allow automatic payments (monthly or bi-weekly or weekly), and allow you to designate General Fund, Missions/GCF, etc.
3) Make out a check and mail to the church. You can designate specific funds in the memo line, or leave it blank, and it goes to the General Fund.
Our address: 1200 N. Cass St, Wabash, IN 46992
Each one of us makes a difference when we give, and in a very real sense our giving supports the whole church and the whole community. Even while we “shelter in place” it is important to keep our community going in any way we can.