The last financial year is over and a new one has begun. Peoples' interest goes to tax, or their tax return. Before we meet a tax agent we need to put our incomes and outgoings in order. When arranging our expenses we usually realise again how much we earned and how much we spent on which purchases. Sometimes we feel sorry to know that we used our money insensibly.

What about the church finances? The same arrangements seem to apply for the church management. When we think about the annoying preparations for the tax report related to our business or home finance standing, we thank the treasurers. So, on behalf of the congregation, I would like to use this space to thank Jenni Elliott for being our treasurer over the years (not to mention the multiple other roles she has served in). I also thank Warren Plummer because he has taken over the treasurer role. As you know, we helped people in need around us and allowed the church building to be used for the community. While recalling what our life was like for the last whole year, I hope we could also have some time to reflect on our spiritual economy. Where did we get our spiritual energy? How much time did we spend on bible reading and prayer to grow our spirituality? What did we use our spiritual power for? Did we wander in the wildness of spirituality for nothing? Is there some kind of spiritual tax return we will receive from God?

Spirituality doesn't grow by itself. We need to manage it. We need to get our body and mind filled with the Spirit from God. We need to get the Spirit to use us to do something good for our neighbours. We need to make all our endeavours worthwhile. I hope you pause your busy lifestyle for a while to ponder your spiritual economy today. There is no short-cut in the spiritual life. Luke 11:13 says, “If you then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him!” Ask God for the Holy Spirit in prayer and live a life worthy of it. I hope that you will receive plenty of the spiritual tax return from God next time. Amen. 

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. 

I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” 

John 14:27