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Money is one of those topics that can make even the most faithful people shift a little in their seats—and if I’m being completely honest… I’m usually right there with you. I hate to talk about money in the church!  Give me a good pastoral care conversation, a meaningful sermon, or a story about how God is showing up in someone’s life—that’s my sweet spot. I could happily live there all day.

But money talks? I’d rather it whisper… softly… from a distance… maybe through an email I didn’t have to write.  And yet—here we are.

Because as much as I would love to just talk about all the wonderful things happening (and there are so many!), the reality is that giving is what makes those things possible. It’s what allows us to care for one another, to serve our community, to create spaces where people can belong, grow, and encounter God. In other words, money may not be the fun part… but it is part of the ministry.

And lately, I’ve been thinking about money in a different way personally too. I am nearer to retirement than I’ve ever been—which feels both scary, exciting and a little wait, how did we get here so fast?  And let me tell you, nothing makes you think about money quite like realizing retirement is no longer a far-off concept reserved for someday.  Suddenly you’re paying attention in ways you maybe didn’t before. You start asking questions like, Do I actually understand my savings? and Is this what a responsible adult looks like?  But underneath the humor, it brings up something real: trust.

I remember a time not long ago when things felt tight—not just for the church, but personally. And that little voice in my head got louder: “Maybe hold on to what you have. Just in case.” It sounded wise. Sensible. Very adult. But there was another voice—quieter, but persistent—nudging me in a different direction. Toward generosity. Toward trust. Toward remembering that I’ve never really been in control of it all anyway.  So… I gave.

Not because it made perfect sense on paper. Not because everything felt secure and neatly lined up. But because I needed to practice what I preach (which is always a humbling experience, let me tell you). And what I discovered wasn’t some magical financial miracle—but something better.  There was this deep, steady reminder: God is still God, and I am not in this alone.

That’s what giving does. It doesn’t just change the numbers—it changes us. It loosens our grip, opens our hands, and shifts our hearts from what if there’s not enough? to look at what God is already doing.

And this isn’t just my perspective—it’s woven all throughout Scripture. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, we’re reminded to give what we have decided in our hearts, not reluctantly or under compulsion, because God loves a cheerful giver. In Acts 20:35, we hear that it is more blessed to give than to receive—something that sounds simple, but takes a lifetime to truly understand. In Malachi 3:10, there is that bold invitation to trust God fully with what we have. And Jesus himself tells us in Matthew 6:21 that where our treasure is, there our hearts will be also.

One of my favorite images comes from Mark 12, where a widow quietly offers two small coins. It wasn’t much by the world’s standards, but Jesus saw it as everything—because she gave from her heart. That story reminds me that giving has never been about the size of the gift; it has always been about the depth of trust.

In the life of the church, money is simply one of the ways we live out that trust together. Yes, it keeps the lights on (and the AC running in North Carolina summers, for which we all give thanks). But more than that, it fuels ministry. It makes possible the moments that matter—the meals shared, the children laughing and learning, the prayers said in church services, the ways we show up for one another and our community.

And here’s the honest part—because I promised honesty, even if I’d prefer humor—we are in a season where we’ve relied more on reserves than we’d like. Those reserves are a gift, a legacy of faithfulness from those who came before us. But they were never meant to be the long-term plan.

Which means… it’s our turn.  Our turn to step in.  Our turn to trust.  Our turn to be part of what God is doing now and into the future.  That’s why giving to the general fund matters so much. It allows us to say YES to ministry in all its forms—not just the parts we can predict or plan for, but the unexpected opportunities God places right in front of us.

And here’s the exciting part—I truly believe there is so much ahead for us. New possibilities. New ways to serve. New ways to grow. God is not finished with us—not even close.  So this isn’t a guilt trip (because nobody likes those, including your pastor). It’s an invitation.  An invitation to trust God a little more.  An invitation to loosen your grip just a little.  An invitation to be part of something meaningful, impactful, and yes—even joyful.  Because in the end, this isn’t really about money.  It’s about faith.  It’s about trust.  It’s about being the church—together.

And I promise… next time, I'll go back to writing about other topics.  See you Sunday!

Peace, Pastor Tracy