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The Act of Giving
Giving within the United Methodist Church is not just a simple gesture; it represents a profound commitment to providing the essential resources needed to fulfill God’s divine plan and purpose. Those blessed with the gift of giving possess a unique ability to identify and direct help, such as money, time, and energy, toward fulfilling various needs, often with an exceptional spirit of generosity. They often demonstrate skills in money management, grant writing, and an innate talent for seeking donations and cultivating relationships with donors.
In the tight-knit community of Paraiso, gift-giving is considered the very bedrock of the church’s existence, as former pastor Rev. Reynaldo Santos passionately asserts. The sentiment that gift-giving is more than a mere act is echoed by Rev. Dr. Miller Tadeo, an administrative pastor in the same parish. According to him, the act of giving not only fuels closer relationships within the congregation but also serves as a powerful symbol of the love displayed by Jesus, who gave His life for the sake of humanity.
Cash
Cash donations are a prevalent form of contribution made by church members. This method is highly convenient as it doesn’t necessitate the involvement of brokers or attorneys in the transaction process. Offering monetary support to the church serves a dual purpose—it aids in covering the church’s operational expenses, ensuring the delivery of high-quality services to its congregation, and further supports the costs associated with church volunteers.
Real estate
The philosophy of giving in the United Methodist tradition, as articulated by Ken Sloane (2019), revolves around the belief that giving comes in various forms. These forms encompass the conventional, such as cash donations, and the substantial, like the gift of real estate. Real estate donations, though more complex, have the potential to significantly impact the church’s mission by expanding its physical resources. This expansion could include more parking space or dedicated venues for congregational gatherings.
Bargain Sale
Another avenue of giving highlighted by Sloane is the concept of a bargain sale. This method entails selling goods or services to charitable institutions at a price lower than their fair market value. In addition to cash donations, many donors, particularly those who wish to make charitable contributions to nonprofit organizations like churches, often employ bargain sales as a unique form of gift-giving. Real estate transactions are commonly executed using this method, where the difference between the value offered to the church and the property’s original market value is considered a gift.
Time
The gift of time, although less conventional, also holds a special place in the repertoire of giving. As Sloane (2019) explains, when an individual donates their time, it may not be directly monetary, but it still plays a vital role. If, for instance, a plumber presents his time to oversee a project for the church, this might not be tax-deductible. However, suppose his time involves managing workers to complete tasks or supplying materials essential for church improvements. In that case, the wages of the workers and the cost of materials can be deemed deductible contributions.
Beyond these mentioned forms of giving, there is a broad array of other options available to donors to support the church. Sloane (2019) emphasizes that life insurance, life-income gifts, unit trusts, annuity trusts, personal property, securities, planned gifts, gifts by will, gift annuities, pooled income funds, and revocable gifts are all valid methods of contributing to the church. This diversity of choices allows donors to engage with the church, its members, and the broader community by addressing various needs and advancing its mission and development.
The United Methodist Church places a strong emphasis on the idea that the ministry of all Christians revolves around service to God’s mission in the world. Through their giving and assisting those in need, they embody and carry forward the mission of Jesus Christ, thus becoming active participants in a divine and transformative plan.
According to Rev. Dr. Tadeo, the significance of gift-giving within the church extends beyond mere financial support. It inspires the congregation to emulate the profound love exemplified by Jesus Christ, motivating them to lead lives of greater significance. Furthermore, as Pastor Castro previously pointed out, gift-giving is a tangible means of extending God’s grace to others. In line with these insights, Rev. Santos underscores that gift-giving isn’t just integral; it is the very lifeblood of the ministry.
Expanding on this perspective, Annie M. Mercado, the Lay Leader of Paraiso’s Church Council, underscores that giving is not merely a duty but a heartfelt biblical obligation. It is a means to demonstrate love, faith, and unwavering loyalty to the Lord Jesus. The gifts offered by parishioners are aimed at strengthening, encouraging, and comforting the church. Council Chairwoman Santiago adds that giving is not just a choice but a divine commandment. It serves as a tangible expression of God’s love and underlines the faith and obedience of the United Methodists. In simpler terms, they firmly believe that love is intricately linked to giving, and through sharing, they actively manifest their love.
In conclusion, the combined generosity of United Methodists empowers them to achieve what might be unattainable when acting alone. When donations are made on Special Sundays, they directly support essential ministries that impact lives one step at a time. Every member of the United Methodist Church is free to keep specific facets of the church, whether it’s the youth, the choir, or any other cause. The United Methodists firmly believe that coming together in this mission is not just more significant than going it alone; it is a reflection of their core values and beliefs.
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A multi-award-winning blogger and advocate for OFWs and investment literacy; recipient of the Mass Media Advocacy Award, Philippine Expat Blog Award, and Most Outstanding Balikbayan Award. Her first book, The Global Filipino Bloggers OFW Edition, was launched at the Philippine Embassy in Kuwait. A certified Registered Financial Planner of the Philippines specializing in the Stock Market. A recognized author of the National Book Development Board of the Philippines. Co-founder of Teachers Specialist Organization in Kuwait (TSOK) and Filipino Bloggers in Kuwait (FBK). An international member of writing and poetry. Published more than 10 books. Read more: About DiaryNiGracia
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