by Jamie Bowland, Finance Chair

When upon life’s billows you are temper tossed,

When you are discouraged, thinking all is lost,

Count your many blessings, name them one by one,

And it will surprise you what the Lord has done.

In 1897, Johnson Oatman Jr., a local Methodist pastor and businessman wrote “Count Your Blessings” which has enabled millions to focus on their blessings from God.

This year the Finance Team is using the focus of Gratitude for our stewardship program. As Pastor David explained two weeks ago, it is based on the book by Kent Millard titled The Gratitude Path: Leading Your Church to Generosity.

The Gratitude path leads to generosity in our congregations when we count our many blessings and give time, talent, and treasure back to God, just to say thanks.

Growing up in the Wray United Methodist Church, I attended Sunday School and worship services to be with my family, friends and neighbors where we could sing songs of thanksgiving to God because of what God was doing in our lives. Joyce and I are blessed to have had a wonderful Church family in Wray and here in Longmont. Joyce’s mom and dad were members here since 1971, Joyce and I were married here almost 42 years ago, Allyson was baptized here in 1983 and we have been in Longmont for the last 21 years.

Tim was a member here, was a Boy Scout with Troop 64, and for his Eagle project constructed and presented the coffee bars in the gallery to the Church.

We count our many blessings that are provided to us by God. We have been blessed by God and in return we give of our time in worship, our talents in service and our treasure to support God’s work through the Church.

I encourage everyone to count your own blessings. How much has God given to you? Have you thanked God for everything he has given to you? Have you returned to God part of what he has blessed you with?

The Heart of Longmont is a blessing to many in the congregation, neighborhood, city and the world. It is able to provide these blessings through the generosity of the congregation. We on the finance team are thankful for all the members who give to the church. Thank you.

Let me end with the words to The Doxology:

Praise God, from whom all blessings flow;

Praise Him, all creatures here below;

Praise Him above, ye heavenly host:

Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.