— the mission of First Presbyterian
 

On first blush, Christians might think it improper to pose the question, “Can God be trusted?” The Bible tells of stories where his beloved creation does indeed doubt his Word. One does not need to read past the third chapter of Genesis to see the first example. If you remember the story, you will  recall that God put Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, but told them that they would die if the ate from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. But Satan, in the form of a serpent, tempted them by saying that they would “surely not die.” Who did they believe? Don't you wish they had believed God?

But God says, “The silver is mine and the gold is mine,” (Hagai 2:8) and, “Remember the Lord your God, for it is He who gives you the ability to produce wealth.”  (Deuteronomy 8:18)

Our friends tell us: “If you have money left at the end of the year, give some to the poor.”

But God says, “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.” (1Corinthians 4:2) and “All the believers were one in heart and mind.  No one claimed that any of his possessions was his own, but they shared everything they had.”  (Acts 4:32)

But Jesus says “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these. If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?”  (Matthew 6:28-30)

Who do we believe?  And, how will you respond?

One of the great things about the Church of Jesus Christ is that it continues to move forward. Nothing will hold it back. And this is true of this particular church as well. Even with the recent departure of our senior pastor, we are walking into the future together.

This church is made up of many people. Each person is important in helping us to be the church and to accomplish our ministry and mission in partnership with one another. This includes our giving of our time, our talent and our treasure. Together we can do far beyond what we can do alone.

We can all look forward to what God wants to do in and through this church. We are moving forward, following Jesus Christ. is being faithful with the gifts that God has given us and returning to the Lord our offerings. There are a number of ways you can support God’s work through this church and help it realize its mission:

 

Pledge to give of your money, time and talents

Pick up a pledge card at the church and drop it in the offering plate or mail it in to Quinn Edmondson, Church Administrator, First Presbyterian Church, 404 North Alamo, San Antonio, Texas 78205-1918. Or save time and postage by completing a pledge card online. It’s secure, quick and easy. And remember, you can give online for the current year as well as past or future years if you indicate the year on the optional memo line. For example, just write "For 2010 pledge" in the memo line. It's just like a memo line on a printed check.

 

Give generously and joyfully

There are so many ways you can give from God’s bountiful providence:

• Offering plate during the worship services
• Checks
• Online by secure Visa, MasterCard or E-checks (automated bank drafts)
• Appreciated securities — current value vs. cost basis
• Required minimum distribution — 70 ½ mandatory withdrawal from retirement account
• Recurring automatic payments (Visa, MasterCard or E-checks.)