TRAVEL GUIDE “Do not remember the former things, or consider the things of old. I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it?” Isaiah 43:18-19a Long’s Chapel Journal
A Letter From Our Pastor In Matthew 25:14-30, Jesus tells the Parable of the Three Servants. In the parable the landowner puts three of his servants in charge of his wealth by giving them each a portion to work with. Each servant had to decide what to do with the money entrusted to them. Two of the servants invested the money and the landowner was very pleased. So pleased with the first two that he gave each of them the same reward and affirmed them by saying, “Well done, good and faithful servant; you were faithful over a few things, I will make you ruler over many things. Enter into the joy of your Lord.” In this parable, Jesus is the landowner and we are the servants with resources He has put in our hands. We have the opportunity to be faithful with these resources and if we choose to do so our reward will be to enter into the joy of our Lord. “Enter in” is the invitation Jesus gives to us. Enter In is an invitation for each person in our church to embrace the opy to be a faithful servant. Enter In is an invitation for our church to catch a vision of what more caportunity to be accomplished when a group of faithful servants unite themselves. As your Pastor, I am honored to lead our church during these times. They have been difficult times that we could never have imagined, and yet, God has been faithful. We now have an opportunity to enter into a new season with new opportunities for vibrant ministry like never before. A new season to move forward. A new season to Enter In. This initiative will challenge our congregation, leadership, and staff to aspire for something even greater. It will position us well as we go into 2022 with momentum and the ability to more fully utilize our campus and do even more ministry than we could have ever hoped for. For me, the most exciting part of this journey isn’t just praying over what we do with what we have, but this goes to the heart of who we are. We have all been invited into the joy of our Lord. I hope you will join me in this exciting endeavor toward fulfilling the Great Commission. It’s time to Enter In! Faithfully Yours, Pastor Chris
Matthew 24:14-29 (The Message) “Staying with it—that’s what God requires. Stay with it to the end. You won’t be sorry, and you’ll be saved. All during this time, the good news—the Message of the kingdom—will be preached all over the world, a witness staked out in every country. And then the end will come. 13-14
“But be ready to run for it when you see the monster of desecration set up in the Temple sanctuary. The prophet Daniel described this. If you’ve read Daniel, you’ll know what I’m talking about. If you’re living in Judea at the time, run for the hills; if you’re working in the yard, don’t return to the house to get anything; if you’re out in the field, don’t go back and get your coat. Pregnant and nursing mothers will have it especially hard. Hope and pray this won’t happen during the winter or on a Sabbath. 15-20
“This is going to be trouble on a scale beyond what the world has ever seen, or will see again. If these days of trouble were left to run their course, nobody would make it. But on account of God’s chosen people, the trouble will be cut short. 21-22
“If anyone tries to flag you down, calling out, ‘Here’s the Messiah!’ or points, ‘There he is!’ don’t fall for it. Fake Messiahs and lying preachers are going to pop up everywhere. Their impressive credentials and bewitching performances will pull the wool over the eyes of even those who ought to know better. But I’ve given you fair warning. 23-25
“So if they say, ‘Run to the country and see him arrive!’ or, ‘Quick, get downtown, see him come!’ don’t give them the time of day. The Arrival of the Son of Man isn’t something you go to see. He comes like swift lightning to you! Whenever you see crowds gathering, think of carrion vultures circling, moving in, hovering over a rotting carcass. You can be quite sure that it’s not the living Son of Man pulling in those crowds. 26-28
“Following those hard times, Sun will fade out, moon cloud over, Stars fall out of the sky, cosmic powers tremble.”
29
Week One Enter In... to your opportunity. Sermon Notes This passage is about money. The Greek word used (talántou) amounted to 60 minas, 6,000 drachmae, or 3,000 shekels. Some say what the landowner distributed among these three servants combined was over $2 million in today’s money.
We need to ‘Enter In’ to the __________________ God has laid in front of each of us personally.
The ___________________ God extends to us is based on __________________. Verse 14 (ESV) of this parable says this of the master, “For it will be like a man going on a journey, who called his servants and entrusted to them his property.”
Giving was never meant to be an _________________________ on us by God. Giving is an expression of God’s faith in us and an opportunity He extends to us.
The money belongs to the master; it is the opportunity of the servants to invest and multiply the purposes of the master.
We need to ‘Enter In’ to the opportunity God has laid in front of us as a church. - We have the opportunity to make a difference in our community in the name of Jesus. - We have the opportunity to disciple and grow the people who call Long’s Chapel home. - We have the opportunity to make a difference in our world in the name of Jesus.
Sunday, October 24 Other Notes
Questions to Consider Is it easier to associate the word “talent” with serving and volunteering or money and giving?
Which servant of the three do you see yourself as right now?
What opportunities do you see for our church to make a difference in our community?
What opportunities has God placed in front of you?
Giving is an opportunity God has entrusted to each of us because we’re someone He knows and He trusts. What part of your life could you trust God with more?
Week Two Enter In... to your potential. Sermon Notes The master gives each of the three servants different amounts to work with. In verse 15 it says, “And to one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one, to each according to his own ability; and immediately he went on a journey.” This is obviously a purposeful part of this story that Jesus is telling because He outlines specific amounts for each. These different amounts are directly tied to the ability of the servant.
Every single person has ____________________. The master gives each servant money to work with, and He gives us something to work with, too.
It is not whether you have potential; but _____________________ what potential you have.
Our potential from person to person is different but our _____________________ with that potential and reward from honoring our potential is the same.
Potential doesn’t define your _______________ or even the amount of your reward. The reward is the same for everyone who is faithful to realize their potential.
Servant #3 failed because:
Servant #2 succeeded because:
Sunday, October 31 Other Notes
Questions to Consider Servant #2 may have been the most impressive of the three servants. Do you agree?
What does it mean to realize or discover your potential?
What kind of things can distract us from discovering our potential?
Every single person has potential. Who is someone that could benefit from your encouragement today? Take a moment to reach out to them now. What is your next step to entering into the potential God gave you?
Week Three Enter In... now. Sermon Notes Verses 16 and 17 describe the urgency of taking action by the first and second servant. The NIV uses the phrase “went at once” and the NASB uses the word “immediately”. In the Parable of the Talents the master gives the money to these servants to start investing now and expanding the work of the master now.
‘Entering in’ is not a ‘what’, but a _______________________.
Investing in the kingdom work of God is a ______________ thing. - …feeding the hungry NOW - …giving someone something to drink NOW - …inviting in the stranger NOW - …giving clothes to the naked NOW - …visiting those in prison NOW
The two greatest enemies of our giving and generosity are:
1. _____________________________
2. _____________________________
Most people who are overcommitted financially, stay overcommitted financially until they make a change. Giving can be the impetus to start that change now.
Do something now, even if it seems minimal.
Sunday, November 7 Other Notes
Questions to Consider What has been your biggest takeaway from the Enter In sermons so far?
Is it more important to do a little something now or to wait until everything is perfect before you start? Give some examples to support your answer.
Giving from what we have now is more important than waiting to give later when we may have more. Is this difficult or easy for you?
What will the Enter In initiative do for the vision and mission of Long’s Chapel?
How can you be praying for the congregation, leaders, and staff of our church?
Week Four Enter In... to courage. Sermon Notes The third servant had something that the other two servants didn’t have… fear. In fact, in verse 24 the third servant said to the master, “…I knew you to be a hard man…”. It is clear that this servant is operating out of fear.
The two indicators that someone is operating out of fear are: 1. Playing the _____________________________.
2. Making ________________________________.
The opposite of fear is _____________________.
_________________ takes courage.
God outlines the spiritual disciplines for us in Deuteronomy 31, Joshua 1, 1 Chronicles 22, 1 Chronicles 28, 2 Chronicles 15, 2 Chronicles 32, Psalm 31, Ezekiel 22, and 1 Corinthians 16. God tells us that to live out these spiritual disciplines, which include giving, we must be strong and courageous.
It takes courage to start giving. It takes courage to be faithful in your giving. It takes courage to expand and grow in your giving the way God wants His children, His servants, to grow.
Sunday, November 14 Other Notes
Questions to Consider Think about three things that you’ve done that took courage. What else do these three things have in common?
When fearful, are you more likely to play the ‘blame game’ or make excuses?
What does it mean to be strong and courageous in our giving?
Take a moment to read through the Giving Discipleship Journey booklet. What is required of you in order to take your next step in your giving journey?
Why is taking your next step in the Giving Discipleship Journey important?
Week Five Enter In... to the joy of your Lord. Sermon Notes There is a single thread that runs through the whole Bible, from the very beginning in Genesis all the way to the end in Revelation. That single thread is God redeeming all of humankind unto Himself. All of the different stories and the ups and downs of the Scriptures – it all points to a loving Father who wants to redeem all of His children unto Himself.
“You were ______________________ with a few things, I will put you in charge of _____________ things; enter into the joy of your Lord.” - Verses 21 & 23.
We are invited to A) accept Jesus as Lord and Savior or B) take another step in our walk with Jesus where trust leads to joy. This is the work of the local church, this is ministry, this is what our Father wants each of us, good and faithful servants, to invest our time, talent, and treasure into while we stand on this side of eternity. Where are you in proximity to the joy of the Lord?
When we ___________, we are investing into the very thing that gives God the most joy and by doing so He invites us to share in and be part of that joy.
“Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be ______________ in Jesus, but to trust and obey”.
When we truly invest ourselves into the work of our Father and what really matters to Him, we “Enter In” to the joy of our Lord.
Sunday, November 21 Other Notes
Questions to Consider Why do you think God invites us to share in and be part of His joy?
How does trusting and obeying God work together in tandem?
Take a moment to read 1 Corinthians 9:7. Why does joy come from following this verse’s instructions?
As you’ve prayed over your “Enter In” Commitment, is there a thought that keeps reoccurring in your mind? If there has been, why do you think so?
What has been your biggest takeaway, challenge, or encouragement from “Enter In”?
Generosity Toolbox
Generosity Toolbox: Practical Ideas for Living & Giving Generously Nearly every day, we make financial decisions. Some are small – should you get a cup of coffee at McDonald’s or splurge for the Pumpkin Spice Latte at Starbucks? Some are big – which house, which car, which college? Some concern the future – how much should you spend on Christmas, which retirement funds should you choose? Sometimes it’s basic life stuff - do I pay the power bill or the water bill this month because I can’t do both. Probably the most challenging decision we make with money is the decision to give. Giving creates tension. We wonder, “If I give this away, how will the gap be filled?” That’s why giving is such a big deal. Nothing invites God into our lives like giving. Giving is a tangible way we declare our trust in and commitment to God. Giving paves the way for God to show up in our lives in a powerful way. Giving is not just a financial decision - it’s a deeply spiritual decision. We’ve put this Generosity Toolbox together to help you consider how God has blessed you and how He might invite you to trust Him during the Enter In efforts. You’ll find ideas that will help you pray and consider how God will have you participate. Our prayer is that you would experience the power of God in your life as you seek Him and His Kingdom first through generous giving and living. In Christ’s Service, Pastor Chris
The most effective path to generosity is a spiritual path where you set your heart on things above. Then, your financial priorities will naturally flow out of your spiritual priorities. People often describe this as “living a generous lifestyle.” It is always a temptation to give to God in such a way that it makes little impact on how you live. The challenge of living a generous lifestyle is to intentionally and prayerfully find ways to do just that – to let your giving touch your living! King David declared, “I will not give to God that which costs me nothing.” (2 Samuel 24:24) He understood that the value of the gift presented to God is determined by its value to the giver. A gift that would touch the heart of God must first touch the life of the giver! This is the spirit of lifestyle generosity — “If it is for my God, my gift must have meaning and value to me.” Lifestyle generosity is a level of giving that affects you – your plans, your activities, your attitude and your approach to life. It means giving up something in one area so that you can give more of yourself in another.
During all services on November 21, 2021, our Long’s Chapel family will have the opportunity to celebrate God’s grace and generosity as we complete our Estimate of Giving cards to the Enter In campaign. You will receive your card prior to Commitment Sunday to be completed and returned. Below is an example of the Estimate of Giving card.
Following are creative ways to give that perhaps you haven’t thought of before or may not be aware of. 1. PRIORITY BUDGETING You may choose to rearrange your priorities and give up something in your current budget in order to grow in your giving. Priority budgeting may mean postponing a planned expenditure such as a new car, vacation, remodeling, or other major purchase. 2. APPRECIATED ASSETS Many people own assets that have achieved tremendous unrealized gains in value over the years. That is good news. The bad news is that if these assets were sold, a significant portion of the gain could be lost to taxation. Gifts of appreciated assets – typically investment securities or real estate – can be advantageous to both the giver and the church. 3. IRA CONTRIBUTIONS If you are 70.5 in age or older and have an IRA there are certain advantageous rules for you. Please contact your financial planner or accountant to learn more about how to give in this manner. 4. CARES ACT IMPACT ON GIVING The CARES Act of 2020 in response to the Corona Virus includes a clause that radically impacts giving for individuals who itemize their personal tax returns. Please contact your financial planner or accountant to learn more about how to give in this manner.
2022 LONG’S CHAPEL BUDGET GOAL #2 $180,000
GOAL #1 $1,800,000
GOAL #3 $1,000,000
GOAL #1 Fully fund the missions and ministry budget each month. Annually this amount is $1.8 million.
GOAL #2 Raise $180,000 in expanded giving to continue to respond to the flood relief efforts in our county from Hurricane Fred.
GOAL #3 Raise $1 million to go toward debt reduction.
In total, our goal is to raise $2.98 million in 2022. If that feels scary to you, know that Long’s Chapel has averaged 3M over the last three years for total giving (including missions and ministry, building and designated giving). We are not aiming to do anything we haven’t done before!
PERSONAL PLAN FOR GENEROSITY MONTHLY GIVING
TITHE ANNUAL INCOME
2%
4%
6%
8%
10%
12%
15%
$20,000
$33
$67
$100
$133
$167
$200
$250
$30,000
$50
$100
$150
$200
$250
$300
$375
$40,000
$67
$133
$200
$267
$333
$400
$500
$50,000
$83
$167
$250
$333
$417
$500
$625
$60,000
$100
$200
$300
$400
$500
$600
$650
$70,000
$117
$$233
$350
$467
$583
$700
$875
$80,000
$133
$267
$400
$583
$667
$800
$1,000
$90,000
$150
$300
$450
$600
$750
$900
$1,125
$100,000
$167
$333
$500
$667
$833
$1,000
$1,250
$125,000
$208
$417
$625
$833
$1,042
$1,250
$1,563
$150,000
$250
$500
$750
$1,000
$1,250
$1,500
$1,875
$175,000
$292
$583
$875
$1,167
$1,458
$1,750
$,288
$200,000
$333
$667
$1,000
$1,333
$1,667
$2,000
$2,500
$250,000
$417
$833
$1,250
$1,667
$2,083
$2,500
$3,125
$300,000
$500
$1,000
$1,500
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,750
“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse... and thus put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts; see if I will not open the window of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing.” - Malachi 3:10