Generosity – Faith Formation

Bill Jackson   -  

Our family joined White Memorial almost 50 years ago. (I wish I could say I was very young then, but that wouldn’t exactly be true.) Although we have actively participated in many things over the years, one thing has been a constant – Faith Formation activities.

In the 70’s we called it Sunday School, and we helped form an adult Sunday School class. All we needed at first was a room and a well-stocked church library, both of which were provided. As we moved through the 80’s big maps, equipment to show video tapes, and copies of handouts were provided too. In the 90’s, I added training Stephen Ministers. That was during the week, so we called such activities Christian Education, no longer just on Sunday. We needed to be able to make and project transparencies, as well as copy handouts. Because of stewardship campaigns at the time, that too was provided. Disciple Classes in the 2000’s required DVD facilities and handout copies. They were also provided.

Our Christian Fellowship Class grew to the point of needing a large room, a big screen, and sound system, as well as lots of handouts. When the pandemic came, we needed Zoom links which allowed us to continue. Now we are a hybrid class, meeting physically and continuing with Zoom for those unable to come to the church. Our sessions are now recorded and placed on the church website to extend the reach. All of this has been provided thanks to previous stewardship campaigns.

These activities are part of what we call Faith Formation. I like the term because we are not just about head knowledge. We are about growing in faith and living out our faith more fully.

The relation of Faith Formation activities to the Generosity Campaign is more than funding that has made all these Faith Formation activities possible. The Generosity Campaign prompts each of us to consider how our faith is growing and developing. Are we just giving lip service to our membership or are we committed to our community of faith?

Our class is studying the Biblical Prophets this fall. One of the clear messages from God is that God doesn’t want His people just to be “going through the motions.”  God knows the heart and is not impressed with empty rituals.

Let’s use this Generosity Campaign to make sure we are not just “going through the motions” as God’s people.