Blessed to Bless

The Methodist movement began during a time of great social change in England. As

Britain’s Industrial Revolution began, society shifted from an agrarian based economy to

one driven by industry. Thus, great crowds of people left the farms and moved into

larger cities looking for jobs.

For many, the move was very profitable. Unfortunately, for many others the job market

didn’t swell as quickly as the population, leaving thousands struggling to survive.

Poverty, with its associated societal ills, ravaged London and other cities.

In his sermon, ‘The Use of Money’, John Wesley stated his beliefs about the role financial

wealth should play in a believer’s life. He summarized his thoughts with the following

advice -- Earn all you can, save all you can, and give all you can.

Years later, Wesley noted that the Methodists of his day were ignoring the third part of

his sermon. In fact, Wesley argued that the primary reason for the ineffectiveness of the

Methodist movement was due to their failure to give all they could. Wesley came to the

profound conclusion that “If Methodists would give all they can, then all would have

enough.” Wesley’s admonition for Methodists to give all they can was no pious rhetoric

designed to increase contributions to the church budget. It was a plea for generosity

and a plea for compassion for the poor and needy.

John Wesley wasn’t against people having money, nor did he think that money was evil.

What mattered most was what people did with their money. For Wesley, “money is an

excellent gift of God, answering the noblest ends. In the hands of His children, it is food

for the hungry, drink for the thirsty, raiment for the naked.”

Trinity Church is a great example of that concept. We understand that our resources are

to be used to bless those around us. That is why we set aside a tithe, 10%, of the church

budget for Mission and Outreach. That is why we are so involved in local schools, as well

as several ministries to the needy in our community and beyond.

Let me share a few of the ways we are a blessing to others. We provide financial support

for the following local organizations:

Vivian B Adams School – donations are being used to redevelop the playground for

students of all ages

Mary Hill Family Service Center – donations support families not only with food

and clothing but with job training, transportation to work and school, childcare, as well

as other services to assist families in Dale County

Dale County Pregnancy Center – donations provide ultrasounds for mothers

considering life for their unborn babies, support for pregnant women in crisis, education

and training for fathers, counseling, and spiritual support for expectant parents

Boys & Girls Club – donations provide support and scholarships for students in Ozark

and Dale County. Programs include homework and tutoring assistance; drug awareness;

anti-bullying; health, fitness, and self-esteem enrichment; safe driving for teens; snacks;

arts & crafts; career exploration; sports; STEM

Congo Mission Fund – provides pastors and leaders in the growing Global Methodist

Church in Congo with resources as well as ministry training to continue the growth of

Christianity in Africa

Roca Blanca Mission Base – supports the work of the Roca Blanca mission to the

people in and near Oaxaca, Mexico by training pastors, music ministers, teachers, and

medical personnel. The mission also provides educational opportunities for kids as well

as vocational job training programs for adults

Beyond finances, we pray and serve our community in countless other ways. I am so

blessed to call Trinity Church home. I hope you feel the same way.

I invite you join us this Sunday as we continue to experience God’s blessings.

Pastor Marty