Exceedingly Abundant

“Now to Him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.”   Ephesians 3:20–21

This promise from God’s Word stirs excitement in my soul. God can do far more than we even ask or think! Today, I’m thinking about what God has done so far this year at Orange Friends, and wondering, “What have we forgotten to ask or think for Him to do the rest of this year?”

So far this year, many of us at Orange have given of our time, talents, and treasures with our regular service and financial gifts to our local church, to our community, and toward world-wide missions. Our building and grounds have been used by H2O Church from Ohio State for leadership retreats, our EFC-ER youth leaders' retreat, FCA camp, and local youth soccer teams, to name a few. Most of our congregation participated recently in our church summer mission project (His Hands, His Feet - What an exciting event!) We have new carpet as well as building and parking lot upgrades because of your giving to our Vision Fund. Plus, we are happy to welcome our new Worship Leader, Sean Biddle, as well as several new babies! God has done much so far this year – I’m sure you can list your own personal blessings. What IS in store for the remainder of 2014 and into 2015?

In October last year, most of us made financial commitments for 2014 for our General Fund Budget, our Vision Fund to upgrade our church property, and our Faith Promise to support our Yearly Meeting missions and operation. I’m happy to say that at mid-year (June 30), we are very close to giving one-half of our 2014 commitments. In addition, we have given $4,015 to support the operation of, and the missions that were part of His Hands, His Feet. All funds given for His Hands, His Feet, and not used during that week’s activity, will go to support the local missions where we worked (i.e., C.R.A.C.K. House Ministries, Freedom a la Carte (ministering to sexual abuse victims), and Pregnancy Decision Health Center ).  THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY!

Our “schedule” for the remainder of 2014 includes a Baby Dedication, our Church Picnic, our Leadership Retreat, 2015 budget planning, and Taste of Missions. You will begin hearing about our 2015 Pledge campaign soon. Our “wish list” includes raising funds to re-carpet the gym/worship center. God probably has other things to add to our “schedule” and our “wish list”, because, after all, He can do ABUNDANTLY more than we can ask or think! Let’s stay tuned with our ear toward God’s moving among us, and our hearts full of continued generosity.

Kay Cermak
Stewardship Coordinator