WOMEN’S MINISTRIES: Why Take an Offering?
By Vicki Marsh M
ark 12:13-17 tells the story of the time when Jesus was asked if people should pay their taxes to Rome. His question of whose image was on a Roman coin was answered that it was Caesar’s image. Then, Jesus replied that they should
give to Caesar that which was Caesar’s, and to God that which was God’s. In reality, all that we have is a gift from God. If we tithe, we are giving 10 % to God and His work while He lets us keep 90%! There are many causes and agencies that need our financial support—missionaries, Christian Education Ministries, church expenses and other orga- nizations, etc. Our 10 % can do a great deal when combined with the money from others! ARP Women’s Ministries uses the money that they receive to help to support the
Jubilee Birthday ladies (Sheila Osborne and Rebekah Carson), the Family Bible Con- ference, retired missionaries, and The ARP Magazine which carries lots of articles with ideas and information about Women’s Ministries. On the Presbyterial level expenses may include: retreats, conferences, speakers, and other projects. Each local church makes their own budget which might include contributions to their Presbyterial and ARPWM as well as missionaries, local agencies, and groups like Erskine College or Bonclarken. When you are considering your tithe, please do not forget to include mon- ies for Women’s Ministries! In the past, I am sure that most of us had a regular habit of giving to the church and
Women’s Ministries as a part of our worship and attendance at church functions. Un- fortunately, the recent pandemic interrupted our “regularity” of worship. While live streaming was a way of continuing to worship, I wonder if we continued to feel the
“habit” of giving while we could not at- tend our church. Now that we are once again able to attend church with our church friends, we need to make sure that we are actively supporting our church and Women’s Ministries since the pan- demic did not take away the needs of the many that we have supported in the past. Consider all that God has done and
is doing for us, especially during the pandemic. He has been faithful. He has watched over us. He has comforted us in our fears. Shouldn’t we rejoice that there is something that we can do for Him? Our tithes and offerings are one way that we can honor God and show Him our gratefulness for all that He has done. Let’s give to God what is God’s—our time and our money!?
Women’s Ministries 2021 Study Books
The 2021 ARP Women’s Ministry study is on the book of Acts. This year, pick between a commentary and a study guide to find the best fit for your circles.
We are sorry that Family Bible Conference 2020 was cancelled due to ongoing restrictions associated with Covid-19. Please stay tuned and check back here for more resources on studying Acts, including a recording of the seminar that would have been offered at FBC, “Teaching Acts,” with Spiritual Life Chairman, Emily Woodard.
Let’s Study Acts, by Dennis Johnson, is published by Banner of Truth. At the back of the book is a Group
Study Guide that includes discussion questions and breaks the book into a 13-week study. Acts: A 12-Week Study, by Justin S. Holcomb, is in Crossway’s Knowing the Bible series. Each section
includes room to answer reflection and discussion questions, some commentary, and personal application ques- tions. The 12-week study includes a week of introduction and a week of summary and conclusion.
These books can be found in the ARP Bookstore and online
ARPBookstore.com. Use the code ARPWM2020 for free shipping on orders of over 10 books.
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