Snow and ice closed lots of church buildings last Sunday and unless I miss my guess, it kept a lot of checks from being written, as well.

I could hear my pastor’s dentures hit the carpet a few years ago when I brought the “stewardship moment” during our church’s annual campaign. I opened up by saying, “Good news! God doesn’t need your money! Nothing you give, nor anything you hoard will keep God from loving you or from lifting the sun to shine on your face tomorrow.”

As the pastor surreptitiously retrieved his teeth, and mopped his brow behind me, I continued.

“God doesn’t need your money, but you need to give your money because of all the good things giving does for you. Every gift strikes against greed and selfishness that lurk in our spirit. Every gift plants a seed of generosity.”

Additionally, giving is commanded. God loves a generous giver and the Christian gives in recognition and appreciation of God’s immeasurable love for us.

God may not need your money, but your church does.

Your church is made up of people like you, who support ministries you initiated and believe in. Most pastors won’t make a big deal about it, but too many of us members treat Sunday morning service like a football game…if we don’t go, we don’t pay.

Church is not a spectator sport; your gift is not an admission fee. I didn’t say your “tithe” is not an entry fee because I’m not talking to tithers here. If you are tithing, you already understand everything I’ve said.

If snow and ice kept you from church Jan. 31; or if you missed for any other reason, please remember to contribute as you have were you there. And let that be the case this week and every week. The building might have been closed, but “church” goes on all the same.

You need to give. And your church needs your gift.

And God will lift the sun from its slumber tomorrow.