Litchfield Presbyterian

Thanks-Giving

A Stewardship Meditation

By Steve Quinlan

“What do you have that you did not receive? And if you received it, why do you boast as if it were not a gift?” 1 Corinthians 4:7

How easy it is to fail to recognize the gift quality of life! Sure, we all work hard to put to good use the talents or abilities we have, but in doing so it’s important to remember that those talents and abilities – and the health and strength that allows us to put them to work-all these things are gifts we have received.

As I look out the window of my study, I see the beauty of the earth, the peace of the river flowing gently by, the patterns of the bare branches against an autumn sky. It’s cold outside, but I’m warm and comfortable in here. I savor, the sharp and sweet taste of my coffee. The scented candle smells like a bakery. I am fully aware that the ability to sense all these things, and the things themselves are gifts I’m blessed to discover. The world around me is a gift.

This morning I’ve had seven people drop by my study. Each one of them brought me a gift. The gifts they brought were not passed from hand to hand, but from heart to heart. Most of them were not aware that they came bearing gifts, since it was their coming itself that was their gift. Two out of the six came with words of gratitude, one came with words of support, one came bringing a gift of talents, one came with sympathy, one came with good news, and one came with tears to offer. All of them left me richer than they found me. The people in my life are gifts.

I’ve been worried about a lot of things this week. But I haven’t been anxious. Our study group spent some time reflecting on this passage: “Do not be anxious for anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanks let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God that passes all understanding will keep your hearts and minds.” I’ve been worried about a lot of things this week – church matters, family issues, health concerns – worried, but at peace and without anxiety. I can’t explain it – it passes all understanding. Peace in my soul is a gift.

You get the point. Everything and everyone can be and should be seen as a gift. The ultimate source of all good gifts is the Giver of life itself. What shall be our response to all the gifts of life? We must see them as gifts, receive them with open hearts, and give thanks to the Giver.

In the holiday season – at Thanksgiving and Christmas – let us also be givers of gifts. Let us give the gift of thanks. Let us give the gift of commitment. Let us give ourselves in service. It is right and fitting that we should make these offerings to the Giver of all. For what do we have that we have not received?

Second Saturday Breakfasts

Starting in December, Litchfield Presbyterian will offer a free breakfast on the Second Saturday of every month. The breakfast will include scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage, home fries, toast, fresh baked muffins, juice and coffee. Donations will be accepted, but the breakfast is free of charge and is open to any Litchfield resident. Breakfast will be served from 7:00 to 10:00 AM. Come and get it!

A Stewardship Poem

We Give Thee But Thine Own
We give thee but thine own,
Whate’er the gift may be;
All that we have is thine alone,
A trust, O Lord from Thee.

May we Thy bounties thus
As stewards true receive,
And gladly, as Thou blessest us,
To Thee our firstfruits give.

To comfort and to bless,
To find a balm for woe,
To tend the lonely in distress,
Is angels’ work below.

The captive to release,
To God the lost to bring,
To teach the way of life and peace -
It is a Christ-like thing.

And we believe Thy word,
Though dim our faith may be;
Whate’er for Thine we do, O Lord,
We do it unto Thee.

Source: “We Give Thee But Thine Own”
The Presbyterian Hymnal

Proportionate Giving as a Faithful Response to God

by Steve Quinlan

Both the Old and New Testaments teach that all we have is a gift from God. As God’s stewards and people of faith, we are taught to bring to God the first fruits. For many Christians, money is symbolic of the first fruits, and the faithful use of it is a source of great blessing.

Money is important. It is the medium we use to accomplish many of the church’s goals, and it is through money that we participate in aspects of the church’s mission that would otherwise be closed to us. Our generous financial support enables the church’s ministries of proclamation and justice-seeking, of service and compassion, locally, and beyond. Thus, a commitment of money as a spiritual discipline is at the heart of our Christian responsibility.

How much should be committed? While a tithe (one tenth) is a biblical goal, some people can give more than ten percent while others are not in a position to reach that mark. I want to suggest that Proportionate Giving is a disciplined way to express our most thoughtful reflection about the magnitude of God’s gifts and our responsibilities in family, church, community, and world. Proportionate Giving means determining a percentage or proportion of your income that you believe would represent a faithful response to God’s goodness.

This year I hope you will ask yourself, “What would be an appropriate response to God’s gifts to me?” as you plan your financial stewardship. Remember, Jesus taught, “Freely you have received, freely give.”

Christmas Eve Candlelight Service

Come celebrate Christmas by joining with us for a traditional candlelight service of Lessons and Carols at 7:00PM on Christmas Eve. Invite your friends and neighbors to this very special service.

The Hanging of the Greens

Join us for a fun afternoon at the church when we decorate for the Holidays with the annual “Hanging of the Greens.” Saturday November 28 at 5:00PM. Get in the Christmas Spirit!

Christmas Angel Tree

No child should be forgotten at Christmas. Help us make sure they are not by participating in our Christmas Angel Tree program. Sponsored by or board of Deacons, the Angel Tree program provide new, unwrapped Christmas gifts to deserving children in the Litchfield Community who otherwise might have none. The Angel Tree, decorated with the numbers assigned to the children, will go up at the church in early December and gifts will be distributed on Saturday, December 19th. Choose a child by age and gender and then do a little loving Christmas shopping! This year over 80 children will be receiving gifts. Your generosity will help make Christmas a happy day for these children.

Holiday Craft Fair a Success

On Saturday, November 7, the Holiday Craft Fair and Raffle Extravaganza was a major success! The baked goods table was groaning under the weight of assorted yummies, the sale of crafts was up over last year, and the raffles were as popular as ever. The busy, busy kitchen crew sold the world’s best sausage grinders and turkey soup.

Many thanks to all those who contributed their time, talents, and happy faces. It’s never too soon to start thinking about what you want to make for next year! Think of all the cozy winter evenings you can spend being crafty.

Thanks again to everybody who supports our church.

Melanie Quinlan
Chairperson (one of them anyway)
Holiday Craft Fair

Faith and Worship Committee News

We would like to thank all those who have enhanced our worship time by serving as greeters and ushers. For anyone else who would like to take a turn there is a sign up sheet in the narthex.

The choir has started rehersals and will be singing twice a month. Rehersals are being held on Sunday mornings before worship at 9:00. Roberta, out temporary organist, has graciously agreed to accompany the choir and is doing a wonderful job so far. New members are always welcome, especially for the Christmas season.

The Faith Committee would still welcome additional members. If you would like to help out please let me know.

Betty Scofield

Birthdays

November 19: Bradley Couture
December 11: Steve Quinlan
January 9: Alyssa Hilson
January 15: Jennifer Couture
January 20: James Dabrowski
January 25: Elaine Durand
January 27: Jan Hilson
January 31: Kyle Hilson