The weekend of ROCK is one many of us look toward each year. For our youth and those of us who are older, this is always a wonderful time of celebration, connecting and sharing in the joy of Christ. With ROCK, it is easy to sense the hope that is the church, and the possibilities that we share.
As we gather each year in Ocean City at the end of January - among the many highlights of the weekend – the proclamation of the word, joyful praise, young people rushing to the front of the Convention Center, persons committing (and recommitting) their lives to Christ, sharing in communion – one that is always special is the offering that is taken at the final worship celebration. This year’s offering had particular significance as it is to go toward support the relief efforts of the United Methodist Committee on Relief in Haiti.
Over the past three weeks, people of faith have joined in prayer and support for the people of Haiti as they have dealt with the catastrophic earthquake that struck the country on January 12th. In this, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, the loss, grief and distress caused by this disaster adds to the tremendous forces of poverty with which the people already struggle.
This year, the offering received at ROCK totaled over $28,000, a sign of extravagant generosity. Acts of extravagant generosity continue as many of our churches continue to make contributions to UMCOR and other relief organizations, and prepare health kits to aid our sisters and brothers in need in Haiti. In these days of tremendous need for many among us, we continue to see signs of extravagant generosity in our midst.
The apostle Paul wrote to encourage the church at Corinth, “You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity.” (2 Cor. 9:11) Bishop Robert Schnase, his the book The Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations, shares that “extravagant generosity describes practices of sharing and giving that exceed all expectations and extend to unexpected measures. It describes lavish sharing, sacrifice, and giving in service to God and neighbor. “
Thanks be to God for our shared ministry, and the ways that we continue to engage in extravagant generosity both locally and globally
May the Lord, in whom we live and move and have our being, bless you in the days ahead, and may heaven’s face continue to shine upon us.
As we gather each year in Ocean City at the end of January - among the many highlights of the weekend – the proclamation of the word, joyful praise, young people rushing to the front of the Convention Center, persons committing (and recommitting) their lives to Christ, sharing in communion – one that is always special is the offering that is taken at the final worship celebration. This year’s offering had particular significance as it is to go toward support the relief efforts of the United Methodist Committee on Relief in Haiti.
Over the past three weeks, people of faith have joined in prayer and support for the people of Haiti as they have dealt with the catastrophic earthquake that struck the country on January 12th. In this, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, the loss, grief and distress caused by this disaster adds to the tremendous forces of poverty with which the people already struggle.
This year, the offering received at ROCK totaled over $28,000, a sign of extravagant generosity. Acts of extravagant generosity continue as many of our churches continue to make contributions to UMCOR and other relief organizations, and prepare health kits to aid our sisters and brothers in need in Haiti. In these days of tremendous need for many among us, we continue to see signs of extravagant generosity in our midst.
The apostle Paul wrote to encourage the church at Corinth, “You will be enriched in every way for your great generosity.” (2 Cor. 9:11) Bishop Robert Schnase, his the book The Five Practices of Fruitful Congregations, shares that “extravagant generosity describes practices of sharing and giving that exceed all expectations and extend to unexpected measures. It describes lavish sharing, sacrifice, and giving in service to God and neighbor. “
Thanks be to God for our shared ministry, and the ways that we continue to engage in extravagant generosity both locally and globally
May the Lord, in whom we live and move and have our being, bless you in the days ahead, and may heaven’s face continue to shine upon us.
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