Tuesday Tidings, Sept 8, 2026

Dearest Members of Bethlehem,

“The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and

the one who sows bountifully will also

reap bountifully.” -2 Corinthians 9:6

A while back one of our younger members and star acolytes, Kai, strolled into church brandishing a brand new Harry Kane trading card (Harry Kane is a soccer legend from England, who made a significant impact in the 2026 World Cup).

It just so happens that Harry Kane is one of my favorite players and, when he’s not playing in the World Cup, he’s playing for my favorite German soccer team, Bayern München.

Naturally, I made a fuss over the card and - in jest - asked Kai if he was really sure if he wanted to hang on to that card? Maybe he wanted to pass that somewhat rare card along to his pastor? Of course, the good natured young man, simply smiled, shook his head in the negative, and walked on… still clinging to the trading card in question.

I didn’t think much about the exchange after that day, just one of many conversations that take shape over the course of a busy Sunday morning.

So, I was quite surprised and even touched, when several weeks later Kai showed up to church with another Harry Kane trading card from the World Cup collection. Sure enough, he graciously approached me with a big smile and gifted me the card.

Now, my dear siblings in Christ, that young man proved that he was indeed a super star! And if he we had trading cards for extraordinarily gifted Christians, Kai would most certainly be on one of them. In fact, the back of the card would note that his generosity and kindness stats were off the charts.

That trading card is now serving as a book mark in my Bible. Each time I reach for the sacred text to prepare a study, teach a class, or lead a devotional I am not only humbled; I am reminded that what we say about the beautiful words in that Bible matter, they matter greatly.

It’s easy to take for granted, but thoughtfulness, the capacity to carry the concerns of another, and the abiding willingness to share grow out of what is taught to us from an early age. Some of that teaching absolutely takes shape within the walls of our congregation.

I am deeply grateful for that trading card and for the opportunity to serve a community in which such a story could take shape. I pray that in the days ahead you too are the recipients of and progenitors of meaningful expressions of generosity. Goodness knows, they certainly do make a lasting impression.

Question for reflection: Have you ever received a gift that made you think differently about giving?

Yours in Christ,

Pastor Dan

Gracious Lord, as we venture into another robust programmatic year, we pray that you would empower us to keep first things first; you are the center of our lives, and every expression of worship and service grows out of our deep appreciation for being your eternally beloved children. In Christ’s name we pray, amen.