This Sunday is Commitment Sunday. It's the Sunday when we give thanks and bless the pledges received during worship. Your financial commitment is part of your dedication to the ministry here at the Highlands and one way of affirming your support and participation in our many ministries. Please try to have your pledge in by Sunday. All pledges received in the mail prior to Sunday or in worship on Sunday will be entered in the drawing for the gift certificate to a local restaurant.
In the Genesis story, Abram (he becomes Abraham later in the narrative) leaves his homeland to go where God will lead him. God promises him land, heirs and blessing, saying to him "in you Abram all the families of the earth shall be blessed." As the story goes, Abram agrees to make this commitment and packs up his household including his wife Sarai (she becomes Sarah).
My commitments seem small and so easily made and kept compared to what Abraham and Sarah did. They were so profoundly changed by what they did, even their names change.
What commitments do you make and keep that are life changing? We have so many choices...career, marriage, children, friends, possessions (including our debt) and even our church all are commitments, ways that we bind ourselves. Something to ponder: How are you changed by the commitments you have made. It seems healthy commitments deepen us and are a blessing. They draw us closer to our true nature.
I feel truly blessed to be a part of the Highlands. It is a commitment that has changed my life in profound and good ways.
See you Sunday,
Beth