
“If any wish to come after me, let them deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. For those who want to save their life will lose it, and those who lose their life for my sake, and for the sake of the gospel, will save it. For what will it profit them to gain the whole world and forfeit their life?
Mark 10:34-36
“‘Render unto God’, not a tenth, not a third, not half, but ‘all that is God’s.’, be it more or less, by employing all on yourself, your household, the household of faith, and all mankind, in such a manner that you may give a good account of your stewardship when ye can be no longer stewards… that every act may be rewarded in that day when the Lord cometh with all his saints.”
John Wesley, “The Use of Money”
Giving: A Response to God's Grace
Giving is a heartfelt response to God, an act of worship where we offer back what He has given us. As James reminds us, "Every good and perfect gift is from above." Our spiritual ancestors understood this, offering the first fruits of their harvest as a sign of gratitude. Jesus, however, redefined this practice—calling us to give not just portions of our possessions, but to love the Lord our God with all of our heart, soul, mind, and strength.
What have you received? What are you giving?
God has blessed us with life, salvation, and everything we need. Over the coming weeks, we will explore the themes of stewardship, generosity, God’s abundance, and how we are called to share extravagantly with God—through the church, with the poor, and with the needy. Together, we will learn to trust God more deeply and follow Jesus through the guiding presence of the Holy Spirit.
Our worship will focus on Mark 10, where Jesus calls us to new life in Him—one marked by service and hope. Each week, Pastor Dennis will lead us, followed by inspiring testimonies from members of our congregation: Debbie Chused, Pat Rockenhauser, Lyn Turner, and Mark Pope. On Wednesday evenings at 6:30, our Prayer and Praise gatherings will feature "Voices of Generosity," where faithful leaders will share how we can live more generously in our daily lives.
On Sunday, October 27, following worship, members of our Leadership and Finance Teams will present a narrative explaining how our gifts support Westminster’s ministry—ranging from worship and operations to hands-on missions. We encourage all Westminster members and attendees to stay for this important conversation.
Then, on Sunday, November 10, we will celebrate Commitment Sunday. During worship, we will bring forward our commitments for 2025, expressing how we plan to steward our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. Commitment Cards will be introduced on October 27 and made available via mail, the church office, and the Sanctuary. We will gather for a church-wide meal after the service to celebrate this special day.
Let us listen for the voice of the Lord and follow Him on the path to abundant life.

Our Wednesday Night Prayer and Praise "Voices of Generosity" Gatherings are at 6:30 PM on October 9, 16, 23, 30, and November 6.
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