the 'marked' $1 bill

this blog is written with a nod to michael christensen, who wrote his blog last week from drew university on a similar subject. i hadn't read his blog before i had a nudging from god...and then, there was his empowering story!

i had this challenge from god early last week, as i prepared for my sermon on 'give caesar what is caesar's, and give god what belongs to god (matthew 22:15-22).' there seemed to be a tie-in with my preaching topic for november 13th on the parable of the talents (matthew 25:31-46), where three faithful stewards are entrusted with someone else's money; two double the money, and the other one buries the money for fear of losing it.

the challenge from god, and as it turns out, from me, was to offer the congregation $120 worth of "seed money" -- 120 was the anticipated worship attendance for sunday; 120 marked $1 bills with a sheet of explanation were placed into offering baskets and passed around the congregation. everyone was invited to take a marked bill (for tracking purposes) and see how 'god's money' could be used to further the love of god over the next few weeks.

people were invited to prayerfully consider how to invest this $1, returning the earnings back to god, or sharing how they utilized 'what belongs to god'. i shared some examples: perhaps you could add this $1 bill to your own funds and purchase ingredients for a baking or craft project, selling your wares and retuning to god the results of that project; or use this seed money to help purchase supplies for food items to make a meal for someone in need, or share an event with someone who you've been meaning to get to know better; or add it to someones scholarship fund. just be creative, and do something 'godly' with this $1 bill!

then, folks are invited to either return the marked $1 bill or the results of their investment, and/or a note explaining how they shared 'what belongs to god' on november 13th. i'll share the results -- which is why the dollars got 'marked', when everything is tabulated. i can't wait to see how creative folks will get with what belongs to god -- especially in these economic times!

and, if you weren't able to be in worship on sunday, but would like to be part of this exciting opportunity, just let me know, and i'll send you a marked $1 bill. i have some left...they're going fast...what belongs to god may be eternal, but it doesn't stay around forever!

i'll share one funny story so far. one of the dollar bills was left on the pew, and has been deemed the 'quick return buck'. witty. i never said god did not have a sense of humor! how might you share generously and creatively, what god has shared with you?