Generosity

At a recent Church Council Meeting, the Leaders were reflecting on the past year – our community, and the varied experiences we've encountered as we continue our journey in Christ in this region. We discussed the outstanding congregational response to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal – a spontaneous contribution by individuals amounting to just over $500. What a great response!

We reflected that this response was indeed one in a long history of Coatesville people consistently responding in support of visiting groups and community organisations – responding in consistent generosity. Over the past year, we’ve had an increased number of visiting speakers, each representing the work of Christ in their own way. Do you recall the amazing ministries that we've encountered? A few of the standout ones for me have been Teen Challenge – the regional based ministry for young men with serious addiction problems, the Salvation Army, Light FM (radio ministry), Aviation Ministries (including the amazing photos of Christian pilots landing on impossible mountainsides in Papua New Guinea).

And so the list goes on – and consistently it would seem, we give
spontaneously and generously.

It is right that we acknowledge this generosity.

Of course the Biblical references to giving are many. Life in Christ calls for action. For example, flying a plane onto the side of a mountain in PNG delivering supplies to those in need is front-line mission and ministry in the name of Christ. This sort of thing may or may not be achievable for all though. What is important is to understand that where we do get 'some of the action' and where we do share in the 'ministry', is by supporting those who are in 'front-line'. Time and time again Coatesville do share in the ministry, and...

...it is right that we acknowledge this generosity.

Providing financial support is not a compulsory thing - it is not a requirement of belonging. The generosity of this Coatesville community though, is evidence that God is at work amongst us in a very healthy way. We are gifted, and have demonstrated a willingness to share our gifts with groups that we encounter.

How we as individuals or as a group respond into the future is not the focus of this message.

This message is simply an acknowledgement of the generosity of this Coatesville faith community.

Peter Heazlewood - for the leaders