Join the movement & give back December 1st, 2020
Hebrews 13:16 “Do not forget to do good and share with others.”
Over the past few years, there has been a growing movement called #GivingTuesday. It comes as a response to Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, Cyber Monday, etc. The recognition is that this day turns our attention from the shopping and economic drivers of the season to the meaningful art of giving. The purpose for this post is to encourage you to get involved on some level. So I encourage you as the pastor at Paradise Church and as a member of the human race to do something this coming Tuesday.
While I wish Giving Tuesday did not come at the tail end of Thanksgiving, Black Friday, Small Business Saturday and Cyber Monday, I do hope you will circle December 1st, 2020 as Giving Tuesday on your calendar this year for a few reasons. Here are 10 thoughts to consider for Giving Tuesday:
- There are lots of emails and social media posts, including this one, coming to you leading up to Giving Tuesday, Respond to some of them and give. This could be a very fun experience if you have never done this.
- If you are a member of a local church, even if you have not been in a while, consider a gift to them. This is the time of year when churches are working towards their year-end budget goals. For myself, and most pastors I know, there is an increase in need that predictably shows up this time of year. But this year the need is much greater. 2020 has been a challenging year for individuals and churches. Paradise Church is no exception. If you are connected to Paradise Church, then consider something extra this year. If you have another church family, then please give to them.
- Most churches have the ability to give online. To give to Paradise Church, our website is ParadiseChurch.org. There is a little button at the top for Online Giving. This year we have two focuses for Giving Tuesday. One is a matching gift and the other is moving members to automated giving. To learn more, please visit ParadiseChurch.org/giving-tuesday.
- If there is a charity or cause that is important to you, today is the day to give to them if you have not recently.
- Consider donating your “Christmas” to your local church or charity. Instead of people giving you gifts, ask them to give to these causes instead.
- Consider a project that you have always meant to do. Angel Trees, Food Banks, Shoe Boxes, Shelters. Make it your goal to do it this season.
- My favorite Christmas story is “A Christmas Carol.” While it is the story of a miser who changes his ways, it is also the story of each of us when we awaken to the power of generosity and goodwill. If you have never read the actual Dickens’ novel, consider doing that this season.
- Give in honor of someone, in remembrance of someone or in celebration of someone. We all have people in our lives that were generous to us, our actions on a day like today honor them.
- Just on a very personal level, when you shop, always drop money in the Salvation Army bucket. I was a Salvation Army “bell-ringer” when I was in college. It was life changing experience. In an age when cash and coins are not as common in our pockets, put some quarters in your pocket and plan on giving when you see these folks. We host the local chapter of the Salvation Army in our church building, if you ever need to refer someone to them. Just call the Paradise Church office.
- A old Chinese Proverbs reads, “If you want happiness for an hour-take a nap. If you want happiness for a day-go fishing. If you want happiness for a month-get married. If you want happiness for a year-inherit a fortune. If you want happiness for a lifetime- help someone else.
As we enter into this challenging holiday season, may God richly bless you and yours. And may 2021 come with a spirit of renewal and restoration.
Make a contribution today
Rev. Dr. David Anderson, Jr.
Pastor—Paradise Church