The Generous Life

Dear Clearview Family:

Can you believe it's the middle of October already? We are approaching 2022 with eager anticipation for all God is continuing to do in and through Clearview! The last 19 months have been challenging times. And yet, we've found hope, connection to one another, and to God. So, we forge ahead, trusting in the One who has gotten us through it all.

On Sunday, October 10th, Reverend Jim Harnish joined us in worship to share about "The Generous Life," a lifestyle of generosity that comes from centering our own lives on Jesus. As we continue to contemplate what a "generous life" looks like regarding stewardship - caring for all the resources God has given us to manage – I ask us all to consider our commitments for the upcoming year. Included in the envelope, you will find a commitment card for this very purpose. How might we individually and communally commit our financial resources, commit to serving, and commit to growing spiritually toward a life centering on Jesus.

Concerning our financial commitment, I humbly request you to think about your current giving level to see if your budget will allow for a 1% increase as you journey toward the tithe and beyond. Tracie and I are making this same prayerful consideration as we review our family's budget. Because she and I serve two churches, we divide our tithe (10% of our income) between the two churches and are looking for ways to increase our giving beyond this in our 2022 commitments. 

When Tracie and I were younger, this was not even a possibility because of overwhelming student loans, credit card debt, and the costs of raising four young children. Over time, we have been able to increase our giving to the tithe and beyond incrementally. This stewardship growth has been transformative for our family and us. I share this with you as a word of encouragement to those who may not be able to tithe right now. I have been there, too. You can do this! I would ask you to pray about how you can either begin to give or increase your giving for the upcoming year. Remember, every gift makes a difference. 

We want to thank you for all you do and how you give back to God. When you give you do more than meet the needs of this church, you fulfill the divine purpose God has for your life and the life of this community in Saint Petersburg and beyond. 

Honored to be serving alongside you,

Rev. Erick Ashley, Pastor

1 - BEGIN WITH PRAYER 

Thank God for blessing you and ask for guidance and discernment in how you can give back to God. 

2 - ASSESS YOUR INCOME AND GIVING 

Take a look at your annual income and your current giving as a percentage of your income..

3 - DISCERN YOUR GENEROUS LIVE COMMITMENT 

Determine how you will live "the generous life" in 2022 when you complete your Commitment Card. 

4 - DECIDE HOW YOU WILL GIVE 

Take a look at the “Ways to Give” and select the option that is best for both you and the church. 

5 - COMPLETE YOUR COMMITMENT CARD 

Complete a printed commitment card and bring it to worship on Oct 24 OR complete a digital commitment card prior to Oct 31.

6 - WORSHIP WITH GRATITUDE

On Commitment Sunday, Oct 31 we will present our commitments to God during worship. This is an opportunity as a congregation to express our gratitude to God and renew our commitment to being God’s stewards in the world. 

IN WORSHIP - Give by cash or check in the offering plate each week in worship.

ONLINE - Clearview offers a simple and secure way for you to give to the church electronically. Go to clearviewumc.org/give and follow the simple prompts to give online from your computer or mobile device. You can even set up a recurring gift, then your gifts are given regularly, even when you are out of town. If you choose to give online, please consider using your bank account info as an Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT), as it is the most cost-effective method for the church.

TEXT - Your tithes and offerings can be given by texting the amount to (727) 513-5557. For example, text 100 to (727-513-5557 and you will give $100. The first time you use this, there are a few things to set up, but then it is a very quick and easy way to give.

MAIL - Your gifts may be mailed to: 4515 38th Ave N • Saint Petersburg, FL 33713

ALTERNATIVE METHODS & LEGACY GIVING - Appreciated Stock, Qualified Charitable Distributions, Required Minimum Distributions, and Estate Planning are also giving options. Contact the Church Office to learn more about these tax-saving ways to give.