"Living lives of loving generosity". That sentence has been the foundation of the lead-up to Sunday's Special Contribution. Sure, we were asking for money on Sunday. But money is only one aspect of the generous life.

And, as always, the shepherds are grateful for and humbled by the generosity of this Faith Family. The amount that has been lovingly given so far is $24,959. I can say that my hopes were exceeded. TOCC is a generous church!

Perhaps one of the lessons of the day is that I need to have a bigger faith. Why is that when the verse we read each week since the Special Contribution Campaign began says that God is able to do exceedingly more than we ask or imagine [Ephesians 3:20]?

I am always grateful to each of you for many things. But one of the things I so love about this Faith Family is the way you gently, but persistently, call me, nudge me, push me, pull me, guide me, and show me by your lives what faithful living is all about, and what living lives of loving generosity is all about. Thank you for not leaving me behind.

If you missed the Special Contribution - don't worry. You still have the opportunity to participate. Please see any of the shepherds, or Bethany, Renee or Willisia about this. I pray you will join with your faithful and generous brothers and sisters in helping our church "ACCELERATE" into the future to which God is calling us.

~Shepherd Ambrose Ramsey