Tithe and Offering Appeals for 2018 in English Tithe and Offering Appeals for 2018 in English

58 Pages·2017·0.68 MB·English

by  Sharon Stromberg

Tithe and Offering Tithe and Offering
Appeals for Appeals for
2018 in English 2018 in English

May God richly bless your church May God richly bless your church
family for faithfulness in tithes family for faithfulness in tithes
and offerings all to the glory of and offerings all to the glory of
God. God.
North American Division North American Division
2018 Offertory Readings 2018 Offertory Readings

Our mission as a church is “to reach the North American Division Our mission as a church is “to reach the North American Division
territory with the distinctive, Christ-centered Seventh- day Adventist territory with the distinctive, Christ-centered Seventh- day Adventist
message of Hope and Wholeness.” Stewardship Ministries is message of Hope and Wholeness.” Stewardship Ministries is
dedicated to helping members catch this vision. Funds received dedicated to helping members catch this vision. Funds received
through offerings make an impact on preaching the gospel to save through offerings make an impact on preaching the gospel to save
the lost. the lost.

Systematic giving is part of being a faithful steward. When we Systematic giving is part of being a faithful steward. When we
return tithe, we are recognizing that God owns everything. Giving return tithe, we are recognizing that God owns everything. Giving
offerings expresses our gratitude for what God has done for us. God offerings expresses our gratitude for what God has done for us. God
loves a cheerful giver, and He has chosen this method to support loves a cheerful giver, and He has chosen this method to support
those who preach the gospel as they reach the world with His those who preach the gospel as they reach the world with His
message. message.

You will find an extensive selection of videos that emphasize You will find an extensive selection of videos that emphasize
various offerings by visiting our website at various offerings by visiting our website at
www.nadstewardship.org. You can use them in conjunction with the www.nadstewardship.org. You can use them in conjunction with the
offering appeals or in place of. They average between a-minute-and- offering appeals or in place of. They average between a-minute-and-
a-half to two minutes in length. a-half to two minutes in length.

Faithful stewardship is a matter of the heart. We don’t give to Faithful stewardship is a matter of the heart. We don’t give to
receive love and blessings from God. We give because we have receive love and blessings from God. We give because we have
already received God’s love and blessings. We give because our already received God’s love and blessings. We give because our
hearts and lives are full of the joy of the Lord, and giving is a natural hearts and lives are full of the joy of the Lord, and giving is a natural
response. We give because we want to live out God’s character of response. We give because we want to live out God’s character of
abundant generosity—especially as exhibited through the giving of abundant generosity—especially as exhibited through the giving of
the Ultimate gift: the life of His Son. the Ultimate gift: the life of His Son.

God’s blessings to you as you help others experience the joy of God’s blessings to you as you help others experience the joy of
faithful stewardship. faithful stewardship.

John Matthews Bonita Shields John Matthews Bonita Shields
Director Associate Director Director Associate Director
About the Author
About the Author
James Hoffer is a retired
Seventh-day Adventist minister. James Hoffer is a retired
He served for 46 years as a Seventh-day Adventist minister.
pastor in the Ohio, Michigan, He served for 46 years as a
and Chesapeake conferences, pastor in the Ohio, Michigan,
including six years as a and Chesapeake conferences,
departmental secretary in including six years as a
Uruguay and Brazil. departmental secretary in
He is an author, public speaker, poet, editor, proofreader, musician, Uruguay and Brazil.
and linguist fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, with a working He is an author, public speaker, poet, editor, proofreader, musician,
knowledge of German and Italian. After retiring, he was a copy and linguist fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, with a working
editor and proofreader for the Review and Herald Publishing knowledge of German and Italian. After retiring, he was a copy
Association in Hagerstown, Maryland. The recent publication of his editor and proofreader for the Review and Herald Publishing
book, Secrets and Mysteries of the Lost Ark: A Bible Adventure Association in Hagerstown, Maryland. The recent publication of his
(www.lostarkseminar.com), has led to speaking appointments at book, Secrets and Mysteries of the Lost Ark: A Bible Adventure
camp meetings, pastoral retreats, and churches. (www.lostarkseminar.com), has led to speaking appointments at
camp meetings, pastoral retreats, and churches.
Jim is also an amateur radio operator with the call sign KW8T, and
since 1985 he has served as world president of the Adventist Jim is also an amateur radio operator with the call sign KW8T, and
Amateur Radio Association International (www.aarai.org). since 1985 he has served as world president of the Adventist
Amateur Radio Association International (www.aarai.org).
He and his wife, Ruth, reside in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia.
He and his wife, Ruth, reside in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia.
About the Readings… About the Readings…

This material can be translated, printed, or photocopied by Seventh- This material can be translated, printed, or photocopied by Seventh-
day Adventist entities without securing further permission. day Adventist entities without securing further permission.
Republished documents should include the credit line: North Republished documents should include the credit line: North
American Division Stewardship Ministries. American Division Stewardship Ministries.

NKJV: Unless otherwise indicated, all Bible texts are from the New NKJV: Unless otherwise indicated, all Bible texts are from the New
King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas King James Version. Copyright © 1979, 1980, 1982 by Thomas
Nelson, Inc., Publishers. Nelson, Inc., Publishers.

NIV: Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy NIV: Scripture quotations marked (NIV) are taken from the Holy
Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973, Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright © 1973,
1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of
Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan. com Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide. www.zondervan. com

The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks The “NIV” and “New International Version” are trademarks
registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by registered in the United States Patent and Trademark Office by
Biblica, Inc.™ Biblica, Inc.™

Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible,
New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale
House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House
Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
About the Personal Giving Plan… About the Personal Giving Plan…

The North American Division encourages the use of the Personal The North American Division encourages the use of the Personal
Giving Plan. This plan was developed to assist members in Giving Plan. This plan was developed to assist members in
systematic giving. The plan suggests that, in addition to returning 10 systematic giving. The plan suggests that, in addition to returning 10
percent of a member’s personal income as tithe, certain percentages percent of a member’s personal income as tithe, certain percentages
be dedicated as offering to three main categories: be dedicated as offering to three main categories:

Local Church Budget: 3-5 percent Local Church Budget: 3-5 percent
Conference Advance: 1-2 percent (Education, evangelism, Conference Advance: 1-2 percent (Education, evangelism,
VBS, summer camps, and union magazines) VBS, summer camps, and union magazines)
World Budget: 1-3 percent World Budget: 1-3 percent

Thirteenth Sabbath Offerings 2018 Thirteenth Sabbath Offerings 2018
Inter-American Division March 31* Inter-American Division March 31*
North American Division North American Division
June 30* Northern Asia-Pacific Division June 30* Northern Asia-Pacific Division
September 29* September 29*
Southern Asia-Pacific Division Southern Asia-Pacific Division
December 29* December 29*

Mission Investment Projects 2018 Mission Investment Projects 2018
North Pacific Union* Lake Union* North Pacific Union* Lake Union*

* Special Project Development * Special Project Development

Author: James Hoffer Editor: Bonita J. Shields Author: James Hoffer Editor: Bonita J. Shields
Cover and Layout: Vanessa Perlá Cover and Layout: Vanessa Perlá

North American Division Stewardship Ministries © 2017 North American Division Stewardship Ministries © 2017
Dear Presenter, Dear Presenter,

Thank you for your willingness to share the offering appeals with Thank you for your willingness to share the offering appeals with
your local congregation. It is a wonderful and gratifying your local congregation. It is a wonderful and gratifying
responsibility. How you present these readings could determine how responsibility. How you present these readings could determine how
effective they are. Here are some suggestions you may want to effective they are. Here are some suggestions you may want to
consider before you share: consider before you share:

Pray: Pray for the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray that God will use Pray: Pray for the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray that God will use
your words to speak to the hearts of the congregation. your words to speak to the hearts of the congregation.

Practice: Read over the appeal at least three times to familiarize Practice: Read over the appeal at least three times to familiarize
yourself with it. Find key words (underline or highlight them) to yourself with it. Find key words (underline or highlight them) to
emphasize throughout the reading. Strive to share these readings emphasize throughout the reading. Strive to share these readings
with excellence. with excellence.

Preparation: There may be times when other materials are sent to Preparation: There may be times when other materials are sent to
your local church to distribute or present along with the appeal. your local church to distribute or present along with the appeal.
Please use them accordingly, and determine how they can be used Please use them accordingly, and determine how they can be used
most effectively. most effectively.

Present With Passion: Read slowly and clearly. It is an amazing Present With Passion: Read slowly and clearly. It is an amazing
responsibility to lead out the worship in giving. Fill your heart with responsibility to lead out the worship in giving. Fill your heart with
the thoughts presented, and God will do the rest. the thoughts presented, and God will do the rest.

May God richly bless you and speak through you as we take this May God richly bless you and speak through you as we take this
journey together in 2018. journey together in 2018.
January 6 LOCAL CHURCH BUDGET January 6 LOCAL CHURCH BUDGET

Taking inventory. For businesses and enterprises whose fiscal year Taking inventory. For businesses and enterprises whose fiscal year
coincides with the calendar year, the first week of January is crucial. coincides with the calendar year, the first week of January is crucial.
And the numbers they come up with have a direct bearing on their And the numbers they come up with have a direct bearing on their
business tax liability. The average person would have no idea of the business tax liability. The average person would have no idea of the
complexity of this process. Goods on hand, goods sold, goods in complexity of this process. Goods on hand, goods sold, goods in
transit, raw materials, equipment including vehicles, etc.—it all transit, raw materials, equipment including vehicles, etc.—it all
figures in, and depending on the size of the company or store, it figures in, and depending on the size of the company or store, it
usually requires the collaboration of a team of people. usually requires the collaboration of a team of people.

On a personal level, the beginning of the year is an opportune time On a personal level, the beginning of the year is an opportune time
for the Christian to take a “spiritual inventory.” This is what for the Christian to take a “spiritual inventory.” This is what
happened at the end of each Hebrew year, in conjunction with the happened at the end of each Hebrew year, in conjunction with the
Day of Atonement. The Bible records it this way: “And the LORD Day of Atonement. The Bible records it this way: “And the LORD
spoke to Moses, saying: ‘Also the tenth day of this seventh month spoke to Moses, saying: ‘Also the tenth day of this seventh month
shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for shall be the Day of Atonement. It shall be a holy convocation for
you; you shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire you; you shall afflict your souls, and offer an offering made by fire
to the LORD” (Lev. 23:26, 27, NKJV). The NIV renders “afflict to the LORD” (Lev. 23:26, 27, NKJV). The NIV renders “afflict
your souls” as “deny yourselves.” It refers to a special time of your souls” as “deny yourselves.” It refers to a special time of
fasting, prayer, and no doubt self- examination. fasting, prayer, and no doubt self- examination.

How did I handle my stewardship obligations last year? How will I How did I handle my stewardship obligations last year? How will I
handle them this year? May we not only give liberally for today’s handle them this year? May we not only give liberally for today’s
offering, but this very week lay out a plan of systematic giving for offering, but this very week lay out a plan of systematic giving for
ourselves and our families for 2018. ourselves and our families for 2018.
January 13 RELIGIOUS LIBERTY January 13 RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

The supreme sacrifice. Many have had the privilege of participating The supreme sacrifice. Many have had the privilege of participating
in the Great Controversy Tour with Dr. and Mrs. Gerard Damsteegt in the Great Controversy Tour with Dr. and Mrs. Gerard Damsteegt
of the Theological Seminary at Andrews University. It is an of the Theological Seminary at Andrews University. It is an
awesome experience to see history up close and personal, visiting awesome experience to see history up close and personal, visiting
Rome, Geneva, Zurich, Konstanz, Paris, and other Reformation Rome, Geneva, Zurich, Konstanz, Paris, and other Reformation
sites. Probably the most impressive sites include the Colosseum, sites. Probably the most impressive sites include the Colosseum,
where many Christians were fed to the lions or burned at the stake; where many Christians were fed to the lions or burned at the stake;
the cave in northern Italy, where many Waldensians were hunted the cave in northern Italy, where many Waldensians were hunted
down and killed; and Konstanz, site of the burning at the stake of down and killed; and Konstanz, site of the burning at the stake of
both Hus and Jerome. To be standing at those very spots is an both Hus and Jerome. To be standing at those very spots is an
immensely moving moment. There was virtually no religious liberty immensely moving moment. There was virtually no religious liberty
in those dark days. in those dark days.

Of course, these dedicated believers were only following in the Of course, these dedicated believers were only following in the
footsteps of their Savior, who was tortured and died on the cross, footsteps of their Savior, who was tortured and died on the cross,
becoming the supreme sacrifice of all time. becoming the supreme sacrifice of all time.

It sort of puts our little sacrifices to shame, doesn’t it? Honestly It sort of puts our little sacrifices to shame, doesn’t it? Honestly
now, how many of us have really sacrificed for the Lord? now, how many of us have really sacrificed for the Lord?

1 Corinthians 5:7 tells us that “Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed 1 Corinthians 5:7 tells us that “Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed
for us” (NKJV). And Hebrews 13:15 adds: “Therefore by Him let us for us” (NKJV). And Hebrews 13:15 adds: “Therefore by Him let us
continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of continually offer the sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of
our lips, giving thanks to His name.” To the best of our ability, and our lips, giving thanks to His name.” To the best of our ability, and
with God’s help, let us plan to sacrifice for Him and His cause, with with God’s help, let us plan to sacrifice for Him and His cause, with
our offerings, yes, but if necessary with our very lives. our offerings, yes, but if necessary with our very lives.
January 20 OUR LOCAL CHURCH BUDGET January 20 OUR LOCAL CHURCH BUDGET

A thousand ways. Several years ago, when Pastor and Mrs. James A thousand ways. Several years ago, when Pastor and Mrs. James
Hoffer lived in St. Joseph, Michigan, they had dear neighbors across Hoffer lived in St. Joseph, Michigan, they had dear neighbors across
the street. The husband worked for the Whirlpool Corporation in the street. The husband worked for the Whirlpool Corporation in
Benton Harbor. One of his responsibilities was that of serving as Benton Harbor. One of his responsibilities was that of serving as
chauffer, meeting important people at the various nearby airports, chauffer, meeting important people at the various nearby airports,
and driving them to and from company headquarters. As such, he and driving them to and from company headquarters. As such, he
was required to wear a nice business suit and tie to work every day. was required to wear a nice business suit and tie to work every day.
The Hoffers had always been faithful tithers, but at that time in their The Hoffers had always been faithful tithers, but at that time in their
lives were struggling financially. They also knew that God has a lives were struggling financially. They also knew that God has a
thousand ways to provide for His faithful children, and were about thousand ways to provide for His faithful children, and were about
to learn one of them. to learn one of them.

One day the neighbor called to say that they were planning to have a One day the neighbor called to say that they were planning to have a
yard sale, and because Whirlpool had recently changed their dress yard sale, and because Whirlpool had recently changed their dress
code to casual, now her husband had several nice suits that he no code to casual, now her husband had several nice suits that he no
longer needed. Then she said something like this: “Before I offer longer needed. Then she said something like this: “Before I offer
these nice suits to the public, I wonder whether you and Jim would these nice suits to the public, I wonder whether you and Jim would
like to come across the street and see whether any of them fit Jim; if like to come across the street and see whether any of them fit Jim; if
so, we will make a special price.” Sure enough, five of the seven or so, we will make a special price.” Sure enough, five of the seven or
eight suits were a perfect fit without any alterations. The price, $15 eight suits were a perfect fit without any alterations. The price, $15
each! Unbelievable! He still wears some of those suits today. each! Unbelievable! He still wears some of those suits today.

Be faithful in your giving! Do you like surprises? So does God, and Be faithful in your giving! Do you like surprises? So does God, and
you never know what He has in store for you next! you never know what He has in store for you next!
January 27 MICHIGAN ADVANCE PARTNERS January 27 MICHIGAN ADVANCE PARTNERS

Roof Repairs. The roof on the church in Tawas City, Michigan had Roof Repairs. The roof on the church in Tawas City, Michigan had
seen better days. The asphalt roofing material was curling up in seen better days. The asphalt roofing material was curling up in
multiple places, and though it had not yet begun to leak, it was clear multiple places, and though it had not yet begun to leak, it was clear
that it would need to be replaced before winter. It would cost that it would need to be replaced before winter. It would cost
$18,000 to replace the roof. For a church with less than 15 actively $18,000 to replace the roof. For a church with less than 15 actively
attending members and very little reserves this seemed like an attending members and very little reserves this seemed like an
impossibility. impossibility.

As the trees began to turn yellow-gold, and then red, showing that As the trees began to turn yellow-gold, and then red, showing that
winter was fast approaching, the church members began to pray and winter was fast approaching, the church members began to pray and
work. They dug into their pockets sacrificially, collected pledges, work. They dug into their pockets sacrificially, collected pledges,
and in two short months were able to raise over $7,000 towards the and in two short months were able to raise over $7,000 towards the
new roof. While this was a remarkable amount for such a small new roof. While this was a remarkable amount for such a small
group, it was nowhere near what was needed. group, it was nowhere near what was needed.

The church submitted an appeal to MAP requesting funds to help The church submitted an appeal to MAP requesting funds to help
with the new roof. The committee was faced with the difficult with the new roof. The committee was faced with the difficult
situation of having received more requests than funds. After situation of having received more requests than funds. After
prayerfully considering the requests by God’s grace they were able prayerfully considering the requests by God’s grace they were able
to contribute $5000 toward the completion of the new roof. to contribute $5000 toward the completion of the new roof.

Paul in his address to the elders of the church in Ephesus said, “I Paul in his address to the elders of the church in Ephesus said, “I
have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must
support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that
He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (Acts 20:35) He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’ ” (Acts 20:35)
We are so grateful for our Michigan Advance Partners whose We are so grateful for our Michigan Advance Partners whose
generosity helped us in our time of need. generosity helped us in our time of need.

Please join us by making MAP a part of your systematic giving, so Please join us by making MAP a part of your systematic giving, so
that together God can use us to support His work in many different that together God can use us to support His work in many different
ways all across Michigan. ways all across Michigan.