Financial discipleship has always been a vital part of what it means to follow Jesus. Paul writes to encourage the church in Corinth to give financially to meet the needs of the church in Jerusalem, and is careful to frame the request not as a compulsion but rather as an act of blessing. So too, our generosity is not a compulsion or obligation, but a joyful response to God’s blessing.

Pastor's Note
The Rhythm of Worship
There will be a tree at the West Entrance the next time you come to the church building! And there will be leaves and fruit to add to it! For the next month, “The Tree of Life” will be our theme at Manchester UMC. In the Bible, the Tree of