The Story of Numbers

Numbers tell us a story.  I’ve started reading the Bible Reading Plan (just because I need to be a little ahead of you all for sermon preparation purposes) and in my reading I have noticed a lot of numbers.  Six, the number of days of creation, 150 the number of days that water flooded the earth while Noah and his family were on the ark, and 75 the number of years Abram lived on the earth before he experienced a call from God.  It is fascinating to discover the importance of numbers in the Bible.  But numbers themselves are just that--numbers; however, when tied to people they tell a story.  So I wanted to spend this week’s blog telling you the story of where we are as Shiloh United Methodist Church.

Over the weeks of Advent and Christmas, this church contributed over $7,000 to Christmas Is Not Your Birthday.  We also helped 16 families with over 60 children through The Giving Tree, and 17 families with  35 children through The Angel Tree.    That is 32 families and 95 kids touched by your generosity!  Not to mention the hundreds of gloves, hats, mittens, socks, and underwear given through the HUMS Tree.  And then on Christmas Eve 561 people attended the three Christmas Eve Services, not only contributing to Christmas Is Not Your Birthday, but also celebrating the birth of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

And God’s goodness and your generosity do not stop there.   For 2013, our Financial Commitments to God’s Kingdom work  total to over $337,000!  That is more money pledged to the General Operating Budget than has ever been pledged in the history of Shiloh United Methodist Church!  Already over 70 people have signed up to participate in Disciple Bible Study, Mid Week Bible Study or Life Groups!  And in Price Hill over 500 invitations have been handed out for the Message, Meals, and Music that will begin next Wednesday night, January 16 at 6pm!   I am in awe of the numbers, the people, and the stories that are pouring out of this place.   

Numbers.  They are only a marker, a way in which we can measure the signs of God’s promise in our midst.  And numbers like these tell us that God is on the move, in our lives, in our community, in our city, in our nation, and throughout the world.  

Thank you Shiloh for your faithfulness to Jesus Christ!  

Rachel