Ready, Set, Go! Week 1: “Who” is the church - a “people” not a “building” - A “community” “family” - The “body of Christ” READY. SET. go!

Ready, Set, Go! Week 2: “What” are we here to do? - Worship God - Represent God on the Earth - Make Disciples READY. SET. go!

Week 3: How? How do I respond? Being a follower of Jesus demands something more from us than just hearing and knowing it demands action. READY. SET. go!

How = Stewardship Stewardship is a word that means “the conducting, supervising, or managing of something; especially: the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.” READY. SET. go!

READY. SET. go! -Time -Talents -Treasure Stewardship asks “Are you being a faithful manager of your life when it comes to the work of the church and the kingdom of God?” Especially in these three areas.

1. Time Acts 2:42 They devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and to the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. Acts 2:46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, READY. SET. go! Key words: “devoted” and “every day”

What is your life and your time devoted to? What are the priorities of your life? “the average American spends 1,745 hours watching television, which works out to 145 hours a month. That's more than six complete days in front of the TV each month.” “time spent browsing or using the internet with 27 hours a month.” READY. SET. go! - Sports? - Hobbies? - Recreation?

2. Talents = are God given gifts and abilities. Everyone is able to do, or is good at something. That “something” you are good at, that “ability” or “talent” comes from God. The question today is do you recognize that they come from God and are you using these talents and abilities for the kingdom of God? READY. SET. go!

1 Peter 4:10-11 says… God has given gifts to each of you from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Manage them well so that God's generosity can flow through you. [11] Are you called to be a speaker? Then speak as though God himself were speaking through you. Are you called to help others? Do it with all the strength and energy that God supplies. Then God will be given glory in everything through Jesus Christ. All glory and power belong to him forever and ever. Amen. READY. SET. go!

3. Treasure At Grace Community Church We believe that every believer should be participating in the work of God with their giving. “tithe” = 10 th READY. SET. go!

2 Cor. 9:6-8 Remember this—a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. [7] You must each make up your own mind as to how much you should give. Don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves the person who gives cheerfully. [8] And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. READY. SET. go!

We can’t do the work of the church here at Grace unless you are faithful with your treasure. If you love this church give generously – be faithful to God with your money. READY. SET. go!

Why is your giving important? 1. It cares for the poor and supports outreach and evangelism throughout the world. Last year’s mission and outreach budget was $68,018. We actually gave away $125,809 when we combine all our designated giving. This does not include all of the time, labor, and building materials raised or contributed for two complete houses built by TNPLH, all of the food contributed to our food pantry which served over 100 families in our community, 350 backpacks filled with school supplies for “school kits for kids”, nor the fact that we allow several missionaries to raise support directly from members in addition to their budgeted support. READY. SET. go!

2. It supports and provides for the ministries, staff, and structure here at Grace. - We have a growing church with growing needs and ministries. (Women, men, marriages, children, youth, etc.) - All our staff are people who were once lay people at the church who were already involved and fruitful in ministry. - We have modest facilities - we try to keep our focus on ministry and helping people. Upkeep is needed from time to time. READY. SET. go!

We can’t do the work of the church here at Grace unless you are faithful with your Time, Talents and Treasures. If you love this church get involved, give generously, be a faithful steward to God with your life! READY. SET. go!