The Grace of Giving
Generosity is a sign of spiritual maturity.
As God prospers us and grows us toward full stature in Christ, he expects us to become joyful and generous givers – “God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7b, ESV).
Indeed, the Apostle Paul wrote: “But since you excel in everything—in faith, in speech, in knowledge, in complete earnestness and in the love we have kindled in you—see that you also excel in this grace of giving” (2 Corinthians 8:7, NIV).
Generous giving begins with a tithe (the first 10% of our income) to our local church and then offerings over and above that.
So as we approach the end of the year and contemplate all that God has given us in Christ, let’s renew our commitment to excel in the grace of giving!
Christmas at Ingleside
Here are the details for this Sunday and the remainder of December that you need to know:
Sunday, December 17 | One service only – 10:30 a.m.
Sunday, December 17 | Christmas Remembrance Service
4:00 p.m. in the Chapel
This service is designed specifically to comfort and encourage those whose hearts are grieving and hurting during the holiday season. In this service, you will find healing and hope from the Lord.
Sunday, December 24 | Christmas Eve Services
2:00 3:30, and 5:00 p.m. – Family Services
7:30 p.m. – Communion Service
No tickets are necessary. Seating is first come, first served. Doors open thirty minutes prior to each presentation. Each family service includes a live nativity. The services are 45 minutes in length, and no childcare is provided. Children of all ages are welcome. The candlelight communion service is designed for adults and families with children elementary age and older. No childcare is provided. No regular Sunday morning worship services.
Sunday, December 31 | One service only – 10:30 a.m.
I’m looking forward to seeing you in worship at Ingleside as we approach Christmas Day and the New Year!
Gratitude for “Light Has Come”
I know that you will join me in giving thanks to God for his favor and obvious blessing on our “Light Has Come” Christmas musical weekend.
Special thanks to Jonathan Green and our entire Worship Arts Team for leading the way. The presentation was joyful, creative, Christ-honoring, gospel-centered, Spirit-anointed, and light-giving – all with such a high level of excellence!
The supporting dimensions of the weekend (from the parking lots, to the greeters, to the food service and hospitality, to the childcare, to the bookstore and coffee shop, to the facility and security teams, and beyond) were carried out with excellence as well. And as you know, excellence honors God and inspires people.
The weekend also highlighted the multi-generational character and every-member-a-minister commitment of our church family as hundreds of Inglesiders of all ages used their gifts to serve the Lord (about 400 volunteers were serving in various ways at each of the six presentations!).
I know that the Lord was pleased, and lives were touched and changed by the power of God’s Spirit. We have already begun to hear testimonies of spiritual impact, and I’m confident the weekend will bear fruit for days to come.
The total worship attendance number for the six services is 10,993 – our largest ever. What a privilege it is to share the gospel with so many in our community and beyond!
I’m very grateful for you and for your partnership in the gospel. All glory to God for all that he is doing among us!
Your Pastor and Friend,
