For if the readiness is there, it is acceptable according to what a person has,
not according to what he does not have. 2 Corinthians 8:12 (ESV)That’s a rich verse. The context is Paul encouraging believers to give generously to the Lord’s kingdom. Some translations render it “if the willingness or eagerness is there.” It speaks to a posture born of God’s grace and our responsive gratitude, whereby our hearts turn first to the Lord and then by His will to enrich others.
As we prepare to enter the last quarter of 2025, what an abundance of joy we have experienced with the celebration of 175 years of God’s faithfulness to Hebron, most recently the successful dismissal from the PCUSA and joining the EPC, co-laborers in upholding the authority of God’s Word.
That said, the Stewardship Team is forecasting a 2025 deficit in the range of $40,000 to $60,000 based on YTD giving levels through September. To fund that deficit we’d need each household to increase their planned giving by ~$250 by year end, realizing that amount may be a stretch for some and others could do more. When you consider the countless lives enriched by the local, regional and international ministries supported through Hebron’s budget, you need only consider “the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich” (2 Corinthians 8:10).
The gospel calls us to radical generosity. Consider what Jesus said about the widow’s offering (Mark 12:41-44). Many gave out their abundance, but she out of her poverty.
Prayerfully consider what more you can do to financially support Hebron’s ministries to the praise of His glory.
Dan Gallagher, Stewardship Team