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Economic Stimulus Package
What will you do with your tax rebate?
That’s a quote from Jon Flora, president of Fry’s Supermarkets in Arizona, talking about plans to help all of us spend our tax rebates. His grocery store chain, along with Sears, Kmart and other retailers, are looking to entice us to “stimulate the economy” by exchanging our rebate checks for gift cards worth the amount of the check plus 10 percent. All that money of course, to be spent at their stores, and wouldn’t you know it, other retailers are considering that marketing ploy as well.
While that may be great for some people and in fact could be a good money-saving idea, just remember, all that money would then be spent…not saved or given, both of which would be a good idea as well! Some may say it would be a great idea to give 10 percent to the church save 10 percent and then spend the remaining 80 percent. And that might be something you choose to do, not to mention it would be a wise and God-honoring way to handle that additional blessing you’ll receive, starting in May.
In fact, out-going Vision Board president Scott Christensen plans to give part of his rebate towards the Capital Investments Fund here at Grace while others may be planning to give some or all of that ‘gift’ to Grace for overall financial needs.
Whatever you decide to do, it might be a great idea to ask God for direction on what to do with that additional money. And, as you discern how best to use that, we’d just ask you to remember Grace Lutheran–your home church! There are many worthy causes out there you might consider, and that’s understandable. But for all of us, we recognize that church is the place most people turn to when they: want their child baptized; have their son/daughter confirmed; get married; become hospitalized; are in crisis; or have a death in the family.
It’s no secret that we’re slightly behind in giving this year, and your additional gift would be a blessing to others, as well as a boost to the Kingdom work we all do here at Grace. More importantly, it would be a blessing to you as you release resources for God’s work in this world, starting here in Andover!
p.s. and the same could apply to tax refunds as well!
Books
Recommended books on stewardship
It All Goes Back In The Box by John Ortberg
God And Your Stuff: The Vital Link
Between
Your Possessions and Your Soul by Wesley K. Willmer
Fields Of Gold by Andy Stanley
Secrets Of The Generous Life by Gordon MacDonald
Money, Possessions And Eternity by Randy Alcorn
The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn
Outside Links
Good $ense
Good $ense Money Management
Crown
Financial Ministry
startribune
Money section
cccsatl
Consumer Credit Counseling Services
Luther Seminary
Luther Seminary Stewardship page
Giving Calculator »
Downloads
Guide for Giving (pdf)