HYDE – In Acts 20:35, The Lord Jesus himself said: “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
In recent services, congregational members at the Hyde Wesleyan Church have studied the meaning of “living generously.” Pastor Stevan Sheets blessed congregational members in both of his services Sunday with an opportunity to give a “unique” offering.
Cookies were delivered from Subway and pizzas from Domino’s during the 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. church services, respectively. Both delivery persons were invited onstage before the congregation and given “significant gifts,” shared Sheets.
“We, as a church, collected a lot more than I expected to,” he said, “and we didn’t have any idea ahead of time who would be our delivery persons. I was really focused on the moment and the person; it was really overwhelming for me.”
Sheets’ message on living generously was well-received by his congregational members. After experiencing the first unique offering, he said some members stayed for an identical church service just to give again.
Since Sunday, congregational members have shared with Sheets in-person, by phone, e-mail and on social media how being a part of the unique offerings have touched their lives. Many have expressed that they want to seek out their own opportunities to live more generously, he said.
“It’s confirming to my heart that my message rang true,” Sheets shared. “We, as a church, didn’t do this to gain attention. It’s what the Lord tells us to do in scripture, and we hope it has positive ripple effects in our church and in our community.”
The mother of the Domino’s delivery person expressed her gratitude on the church’s Facebook page.
She posted, “I’ve prayed for [him] so long. He’s such a good kid and hardworking … When he told his dad and I what happened, he cried. I believe this is Jesus working in his life and that your generosity will inspire him.”
Sheets also said the pastors at the Hyde Wesleyan Church are touched by the trust and faith members of their congregation have in them.
“Our members gave generously and didn’t know what we were going to do with it,” he said. “We told them ‘to give as if it was a gift for Jesus,’ and they gave in abundance.”
