One of the most difficult subjects for a pastor to talk about is giving. And I don’t mean only financial giving. I mean all the ways we give—our prayers, our time, our talents, and our financial resources.
Giving can sometimes be misunderstood or misused. It can sound like a demand: “You should give more.” It can even feel as though someone is asking for something that belongs to us. But Christian giving begins with a very different understanding. Everything we have is ultimately a gift from God, and God’s gifts are meant to be shared.
We cannot live only by receiving God’s gifts. Jesus reminds us that “It is more blessed to give than to receive” (Acts 20:35). This is part of what it means to be followers of Jesus. That is why our church mission is “to Learn, Live, and Share the gospel of Jesus.” We learn about God’s good news, we live as followers of Christ, and we share the gifts God has entrusted to us with others.
As we approach the end of another Christian year, the coming weeks will give us an opportunity to look carefully at our ministries, our financial situation, and our hopes for the future. As I look back on 2026, one thing stands out to me: this congregation has given generously of its time, talents, prayers, and resources.
Thank you to everyone who has served on Session, chaired a committee, participated in a ministry, volunteered for an event, helped with worship, taught, prayed, prepared, organized, welcomed others, or simply showed up when something needed to be done. Thank you to our staff and to everyone who has helped our church worship and serve throughout the year.
I also want to offer special thanks to Betty Stevens, who faithfully served for many years as our choir director, and to Connie Rice, who generously volunteered to serve as our pianist. Their gifts have blessed our congregation in ways that cannot be measured simply by numbers.
And thank you to everyone who has supported the ministry of Erwin Presbyterian Church financially. For the first time since I began serving this church in 2023, we are on track to exceed our financial goal. This has helped us continue our ministries, meet our commitments, and pursue new opportunities to serve. We have also been blessed by several special gifts this year, reminding us once again of the generosity within our church family.
None of this happens because of one person. It happens because we give together. Our ministry continues because people pray together, serve together, give together, and trust God together. Even in the midst of challenges, God has enabled us to continue our ministry as a united family of Christ.
As we finish 2026 and look toward 2027, I pray that we will continue to be a generous church—not simply a church that gives money, but a church that gives ourselves to God’s work. I invite each of us to prayerfully consider the gifts God has given us and how we can use them in the year ahead.
Whatever you are able to give—your prayers, your time, your talents, your encouragement, or your financial resources—it matters. Every gift can make a difference. Every act of service can bless someone. And together, God can use what we offer to share the Gospel of Jesus Christ with our church, our community, and beyond.
Thank you for all that you give, and thank you for being part of this church family.
With gratitude and prayers,
Pastor Ramy Marcos