This Sunday I have to give a Stewardship moment. Three minutes.

How about:
"If God exists and Jesus is who He says he is, and we are going to live with Him eternally, then what, exactly, should our priority be in doing the work of His kingdom on earth through supporting his church here at Epiphany? If His kingdom and His work are our first priority, then does our calendar and our checkbook show it? Add up the time. Tally up your monthly expenses. If we have talents, does Epiphany benefit from them? He gave them to us. In fact He gave us everything. Do we bring the first fruits of our life to Him each month? Do we tithe our time, our treasure and our talents? Do we tithe anything? It is said that the average American now spends nine hours a day in front of media (i.e., radio, TV, print media). If that is true, then a tithe of our media time would give fifty-four minutes a day to reading his word. How's that working for you?

The good news is that Epiphany church is really growing and developing. The bad news is that as a member of this body, the ability to sustain our growth is up to you. We need you to make a significant increase in your commitment of time, talents and treasures. During our Stewardship campaign, plan to have a family meeting. This week if possible. What can you do to help? If you are tithing, consider second mile giving. If you are not, consider how you can increase your pledge this year in the direction of a full tithe. If you are an active volunteer, tithing your time and talents, thank you. If you are not, see a vestry member to offer your help today.

You know how important this is for Epiphany. And, you know how important an increased commitment will be for your own faith. Step up your commitment in 2006. You can do it. We are back, but we are not yet in the black. Help our church. Help your Christ. He and His work are your first priority"