Good November to you, Faith Community!
I hope you’ve been enjoying and/or appreciating the worship series we’ve been participating in these
last couple of weeks. It’s caused me to “wonder” about the many ways I spend my money and what it
says about me.
I used to pay a lot of attention to the countries where my clothing was made and try to boycott those
that are made in countries where the labor is paid less than a fair (or living) wage. I guess I’ve gotten
lazy about looking, but this worship series has heightened my awareness of my spending practices.
I still boycott Wendy’s who won’t pay their tomato workers a fair (living!) wage. Instead, they’ve taken
their business out of the country, to Mexico, where the tomato workers are paid sub-standard wages.
I know that just me boycotting companies who have unjust purchasing policies won’t make much of a
dent, but if we all join together and research what we spend our money on and the companies involved,
then tell our families, friends, and neighbors about them, we can actually impact their practices and
bring about changes in their policies.
We tend to spend our money on things we like, things we believe in and value. I hope you will join me
in thinking more deeply about the ways you spend your money, as well as your time and talents, and
spend on things of kingdom values.
I’ve included the exercise we did in worship on October 29 if you’d like to try it at home when you have
more time and fewer distractions. What is it you spend your time and money on? Where do you find
your values lie, and are they kingdom values? Where might you tweak your spending to bring it more in
line with what God asks of us?
As we approach Gratitude and Dedication Sunday, November 12, as we’re filling out our Estimated
Giving Cards to present to God in worship that Sunday, let us examine ourselves and our practices and
allow God to guide our decision making.
“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” Matthew 6:21
Many blessings to all,
