"And if anyone gives even a cup of water to one of these little one's because he is my disciple, I tell you the truth, he will certainly not lose his reward." (Matthew 10:42)


 

  • The Generosity Gospel

     

    Giving is an act of worship where we:
     

    • Acknowledge that all we are and all that we have comes from God (James 1:17)
    • Put God first in our finances, acknowledging His ultimate ownership of all things (Proverbs 3:9-10)

    Learning to give on God's terms and discovering the blessing of stepping out in faith and obedience — is a work in progress for us (Malachi 3:9,10; Luke 6:38). We don't want people to feel pressured to give. But, we do want people to grow in their giving; to grow in their understanding of stewardship and grow in joyful celebration of the mission and ministry of the church.

    We don't want to simply zero in on your wallet. We think it's important for the church to consider what generosity means for people's life with Christ and commitment to discipleship — rather than just what the church can get from people. We want to create and nurture a culture of generosity. Generosity is the gospel according to Jesus.

  • The Reciprocity Gospel

    Our response to God's grace ought to change our lives. Christ didn't die only to save our souls. He was victorious over death so that we might know how to truly live and find great joy and purpose in that life. As followers of Christ, giving is part (or should be part) of our spiritual disciplines which include Bible reading, praying frequently and participating in worship.

    As followers of Christ we make a decision to follow each of these spiritual disciplines, even when it isn't convenient. Those disciplines are a demonstration of our faith, love and thankfulness, to the God who has been so generous to us. We give to others because God gives to us. Reciprocity should be the gospel according to us.

  • Financial Overview

    God has been incredibly gracious to Memorial Christian Church (MCC) in terms of financial provision. As far as giving goes, we believe one place that God would have everyone give is the local church. The church was God's invention to spread His message to the world and what you see at MCC is one expression of that in this city. MCC is an easy place to give to because we see lives being changed as a direct result of faithful giving. It's really rewarding!

    We want every dollar that you give to help create the kind of church that serves in ways that really meet the needs of our community. We rely on the tithes and offerings of our people to help us do everything in our city that we dream of doing. Imagine the kind of impact a church could make simply by giving consistently to it's mission and ministries! Please know that every dollar you invest in MCC is an investment in the work of God and we will do our very best to steward it well.

    • In 2011, we have worked to refocus our priorities and balance our budget.
      Graph of MCC Finances 2011
    • Budget (January 1 - Dec. 31,2012)

      We have provided a view of how our financial gifts relate to the various ministries within the church. In the narrative budget, each section provides some insight into how those resources will be used in a particular area.

      Graph of MCC Budget 2012

      A Home for the Church: Having a place to worship, study and base our mission. A place to gather for carrying out related church events that give definition to our spiritual and communal life.

      Build Up the Body of Christ: People to represent the church, provide richness to our worship and encourage members to a deeper relationship with Christ. Provide for the sharing that leads ourselves and our new friends to a rich life in Christ.

      Be the Church: Share our bounty with those nearby and around the world, particularly those without the means or opportunities that we have.

      Conduct the Business of the Church: Provide support and administrative operations to preserve the assets of the church and support its mission.

      We hope the narrative descriptions will leave you with an inspiring vision of each ministry. We hope as you reflect on the narrative budget, you will be excited by what we can accomplish together for God with the resources you have offered. We are grateful for what has already been accomplished and seek to respond to God's call with increased generosity of the abundance we have received. Please prayerfully consider your level of giving to God's work at Memorial Christian Church.

      If you have a question about giving, get answers to some commonly asked questions - here.

  • Making a Difference

    When times our tough and the emphasis is on cutting budgets, it is harder to get attention for human needs. But they are still important. We are still called to make a difference in people's lives. Through your giving in 2011, members and friends of Memorial Christian Church (MCC):

    • A contribution of $4,167.50 to the Disciples Mission Fund represents an increase in our giving. This fund is the common fund of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ). Disciples Mission Fund supports 72 ministries of care and advocacy for the missions of local and global congregations; the development and growth of new churches; scholarships and pastoral care for students at Disciples Schools; support and ministry to people caught in the face of man-made or natural disasters. 
       
    • We increased our giving ($7,966) to Disciples of Christ Special Offerings, Week of Compassion and Reconciliation Funds. These funds provided emergency supplies to places hit hard by disasters like in Nashville, Tennessee and Lake Charles, Louisiana; Guatemala and Haiti; and support the general ministries of the church, new church development, Disciples colleges, universities and theological institutions, and regional ministries in 33 regions across the U.S. and Canada.

      We fell short of our commitment to tithe our offerings to mission and outreach related programs and activities. But, what an improvement! PRAISE TO GOD!
       

    • For 52 straight weeks, members provided food supplies to be distributed through programs serving the HIV/AIDS Resource Center, Catholic Social Services and Alpha House (homeless shelter for families).
       
    • A small group of MCC members established Interfaith Council for Peace's annual CROP Hunger Walk. Since 1975, more than 50 congregations and schools have raised one million dollars to assist agencies in relieving hunger and addressing its root causes. In 2011, MCC adult and youth volunteer walkers raised over $1,300.
       
    • In December, our Angel Tree Project provided Christmas gifts for three families with young children.
       
    • MCC kids donated 57 backpacks filled with school supplies to children attending three Ann Arbor Public Schools, Bryant Community Center and Alpha House.
       
    • Elders conducted monthly worship services for seniors at the Hillside Assisted Living Facility.
       
    • A joint project between MCC and St. Vladimir Russian Orthodox Church continues to raise money for the Russia with Love project. Although, giving levels were down in 2011, the ministry met it's goal of sending funds to support six families in Moscow with three more families waiting for help. The project also sent three doctors from the University of Michigan Burn Unit to Moscow. A reciprocal visit from 2010's visit of doctors from Moscow with hopes to expand a nursing program there in 2012.
  • Thanksgivings

    We're grateful for all the ways this small church gives. While we realize it would be nice to have more people to do more things — so that we could do everything we'd like to do. We think the best thing for us to do is focus on our particular "something" that God has given us to do. Anything is possible when you look at things in that way — not because we have everything under control, but because God's plan is working through us. Praise God!