Beginning October 26th, we’ll embark on a five-week journey to explore the roots and fruits of generosity. What does it mean to live generously? And where does true generosity begin?

Together, we’ll consider two core ideas:
1. Generosity isn't first about what we do—it begins with who God is.
2. Generosity flows from who we are called to be as God's image-bearers.

The taproot of generosity is a fundamental truth: God is a giver. From the beginning, God's essential character has been one of abundance, creativity, and gift-giving. The creation story in Genesis isn't just about how the world came to be—it's the story of a generous God who gives and gives and gives. Everything we have, everything we are, is pure gift.

Who God is defines who we are as receivers of God's good gifts. When we understand this, we stop grasping and start opening our hands. We move from scarcity to abundance. We discover that generosity isn't a burden but a joy—the natural overflow of grateful hearts.

Where We’re Headed
In this series, we'll explore how the roots of God's generous character produce beautiful fruits in our lives that bear witness to God's good Kingdom.

Week 1: God Gives—Creation as Gift
(Genesis 1–2:3)
God’s very nature is to give life, goodness, and blessing.
How can we respond? By receiving with open hands.

Week 2: God Gives Everything, and It's Good
(Genesis 1:26–2:25)
God doesn't give sparingly—God gives everything. Humans lack nothing in God's generous abundance.
How can we respond? By becoming faithful stewards of these good gifts.

Week 3: Grateful Stewards
(Genesis 1:26–28, 2:15-16; Luke 12:22-34; Colossians 3:15-17)
As image-bearers of a generous God, we're called to till and care for creation with gratitude. Giving doesn't deplete gratitude—it cultivates it.
How can we respond? With thanksgiving that overflows into generosity.

Week 4: Hospitality—Welcome as We've Been Welcomed
(Luke 14:12-24; 1 Peter 4:9-10)
God's radical hospitality transforms how we use our attention and material possessions. We extend welcome because we have been welcomed.
How can we respond? With open doors and generous presence.

Week 5: Big-Heartedness—The Generosity of Soul
(Scripture to be determined)
Even on the cross, Jesus embodies magnanimity—forbearance, forgiveness, and love for the other. This generosity of spirit is a costly grace that extends to those who annoy, frustrate, and wrong us.
How can we respond? With big-heartedness toward all our neighbors.

An Invitation
This series isn't just about money—though we'll talk about that too. It's about cultivating a way of life marked by open hands and big hearts, a life that reflects the generous, self-giving love of the God who created us, redeems us, and calls us to be signs of the Kingdom.
Whether you're new to faith or have walked with Jesus for years, whether you feel financially secure or stretched thin, this series is for you. Because generosity begins not with what we have, but with recognizing what we've been given.

Together, may we discover the joy of living with open hands and big hearts.

Grace and Peace,
Pastor Patrick