“Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21

Our Tongan Misinale is scheduled on December 9. Charge Conference is scheduled on November 24, and we are preparing the ministry for 2019.

November is also a month of Stewardship. Stewardship is about being grateful, responsible stewards of the gifts we receive from God. It is interesting to see how our Tongan congregation celebrates “Misinale,” which is a stewardship event. They gather together and bring food and their pledges to offer to God once a year during this event. It is a festival, a celebration of giving to God. Therefore, giving is not out of obligation, but out of joy in celebration.

The stewardship tradition of giving back to God and to the church comes from the biblical practice of “tithing,” which means to give back a tenth of our earnings to God. Faith and money are two sides of the same coin. Where the one is, the other is also. We easily pretend otherwise, making faith immaterial or money unspiritual. Disciples must “walk the talk,” letting our own generosity be an example and inspiration to others.

The Hilo United Methodist Church sees stewardship as more than simply contributing money to the   church;   it’s also about contributing time and talents, and volunteering for ministry and mission. It’s about reaching out to build relationships from a perspective of abundance instead of scarcity. In response to God’s abundant generosity to us, we are working on plans for various remodeling projects for the church facilities.  In addition to that, we are also planning a  visioning  process for our church’s future.

Peace and Grace to you.

Rev. Malyong Yi