But in fact God has placed the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be.  (1 Corinthians 12:18)

 

While many of us are ready to dig into the soil and start planting seeds, I think we are resisting the urge to bury our gifts and have instead, been multiplying them. 

We are multiplying our gifts by attending the spaghetti dinner and supporting our youth as they travel out in mission to witness and do God’s work.  We are multiplying our gifts by supporting the Hope Closet and Hope Pantry, and by providing an opportunity for other organizations and individuals in our community to join with us by donating food and clothing to help people in need.  We are multiplying our gifts by welcoming new members into our congregation and challenging them to go into their community and multiply their gifts. 

How are you multiplying His gifts?

We pray: Open our eyes God to see the many opportunities around us to multiply your gifts by reaching out, witnessing, and helping people in need.

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Have you ever thought about what difference you make in this world? 

Some of us strive to stand out above others, while some may want to make small strides in the day to day hustle and blend in.  While each of us were placed on this earth with unique talents and gifts to make us different from everyone else, we all stand on this earth united to serve God, as one body, with the purpose to teach his love and blessings to one another.

Each one of us should consider this and operate as God has called us to.  There are many parts to the body of Christ and many roles.  Not all are teachers or pastors, but even the non-visible roles have their importance.  The wonderful thing about each of our uniqueness is that each one of us can play to our strengths and talents within the gifts the Lord has given us.  This is how we know what we are called to be.  Each part is necessary and each part blesses the body of Christ.  At Mt. Hope, your offerings help support our ministry partners such as Hephatha and Lutheran Social Services.  The people of these organizations are one body in Christ with us, and help extend our service to those in need.  We are called to belong to each other, and also set apart from one another for God’s specific use.  We ask that you continue to operate in Christ’s calling, and continue to pray and think about what you can do to make a difference.

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What does worship mean to you?  Have you ever really considered this question?

We’re using Romans 12 to focus our attention on offerings this year.   

I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God—what is good and acceptable and perfect.

Discerning the will of God is a part of worship.  In biblical terms, there are two main types of worship – to bow down and to serve.  We sing and pray and share the Lord’s Supper.  We visit and clothe and feed those in need.  Part of our ministry at Mt. Hope is to offer many different opportunities for worship.  

As we move forward with faith and praise this year at Mt. Hope, part of our discernment as a congregation is to decide how to use our gifts, both financial and spiritual, to follow the will of God.  We read in Philippians, “I can do all things through him who strengthens me.”  We’re not alone!  What gifts will you share to enable Mt. Hope to move forward with faith and hope?  How will you bow down and serve?  What is the will of God for your life?  What does worship at Mt. Hope mean to you?

 

Click the image below to hear Mt. Hope member Jean Guenther talk about what worship means to her.