Central United Methodist Church (Arlington, Virginia) Sermon Podcast
An audio podcast of the weekly message preached at Central United Methodist Church in Arlington, Virginia. You're invited to join us online for worship on Sundays at 10:30 a.m. Visit us on the web at cumcballston.org to learn how to join us for worship via zoom or facebook live. You're invited to join our congregation where we worship God, serve others, and embrace all.
Central United Methodist Church (Arlington, Virginia) Sermon Podcast
Build Your Runs: Inspire Others to Give
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Build Your Runs: Inspire Others to Give
Series: World Series of Stewardship
Scripture: 2 Corinthians 8:1–15 (Common English Bible)
Preacher: Rev. Sarah Harrison-McQueen
What inspires someone to give generously—even when they don't have much to spare? In this message, Rev. Sarah Harrison-McQueen explores Paul's account of the churches in Macedonia, whose generosity flowed from their experience of God's grace. Rather than giving out of guilt or obligation, they eagerly embraced the opportunity to help others.
Continuing our World Series of Stewardship series, this sermon builds on last week's baseball metaphor. Just as a team works together to build a run, a church grows through the faithful generosity of many people, each contributing what they can. Some gifts are large, others are small, and some may go unnoticed—but every act of generosity can help move the whole community forward.
Paul reminds the Corinthians that a gift is appreciated not by what someone cannot afford to give, but by what they willingly offer. Stewardship isn't about comparison or giving beyond our means. It's about responding to God's generosity with our own prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness.
We also explore how generosity connects generations. The gifts of those who came before us helped build the church we know today, and our own generosity helps create a foundation for those who will come after us. In the body of Christ, we give when we have something to share, receive when we are in need, and take part in a continuing chain of grace.
As we prepare to make our commitments for the coming year, we're invited to consider not just what we can give, but how our generosity might inspire others. We give because God first gave to us.
Reflection Questions:
- The Macedonians gave out of their lack and begged for the privilege of giving. What do you think made that possible for them? What helps you give gladly, and what gets in the way?
- Paul says, "A gift is appreciated because of what a person can afford, not because of what that person can't afford, if it's apparent that it's done willingly." How does this change the way you think about your own prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness? Where might you be holding back because you think what you have to offer is too small?