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During Lent we often talk about giving up something as a sign of our solidarity with the sufferings of Christ and the needs of the world. This Lent at FUMC we will learn how giving to others, rather than giving up something, can transform our lives. We will use as a resource the book Giving—The Sacred Art: Creating a Lifestyle of Generosity by Lauren T. Wright. Giving, Wright says, is profoundly transformative because it requires two people, a giver and a receiver, both of whom are affected by the act of giving. When you give, it connects you with something outside yourself and helps you to do good in the world. Generosity, Wright says, can give you joy, it can remind you of the purpose of life, it can give you a greater connection with the vast expanse of humanity, and it can give you the power to change the world. Our giving can create a ripple effect as it is passed on to other people, other families, other communities, countries and generations.
Wright examines six different ways of experiencing giving, including dozens of suggestions for practicing each of these ways of giving:
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Giving can be an act of worship, offering you the chance to live out your gratitude for the gift of life.
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Giving can be an act of stewardship, a way of caring for the possessions with which you have been entrusted.
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Giving can be an act of obligation, shaping the givers’ identity in life-giving ways.
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Giving can be an act of redemption, moving money and possessions from profane to sacred objects.
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Giving can be an act of charity which transforms your point of view and makes it possible for you to encounter the Sacred.
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Giving can be an act of justice, offering you the chance to tap into the work of God in this world.
May Lent be for you a time of learning the many blessings of giving.
Lenten Blessings,
Pastor Amy
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