Words from Aaron: Sharing in God’s Mission & Stewardship

Dear Members and Friends of First Presbyterian Church of Naples,

Whose Image Do We Bear?

When Jesus is asked, “Is it lawful to pay taxes to Caesar, or not?” Jesus responded by asking whose image is on the coin used for the tax. After identifying Caesar’s image upon the coin, Jesus declared, “Give therefore to Caesar the things that are the Caesar’s and to God the things that are God’s.” In his response, Jesus does more than draw a fine line between our allegiances; he says that we belong fully to God. In so doing, Jesus limits Caesar’s power, and expands our understanding of God’s power. 

The Book of Genesis tells us that we have been made in God’s image. Therefore, while we may owe Caesar what has his image, a coin; we owe the One whose image we bear, our very selves. In other words, we owe God everything we are, because we bear God’s image – we are created in the image of God! 

Sharing in God’s Mission

This Sunday marks the start of our annual Stewardship Campaign – Sharing in God’s Mission. In the coming days you should be receiving a stewardship mailing (if you don’t and would like to, please let us know). I hope that you feel the love of God through everything we do at the First Presbyterian Church of Naples. Please prayerfully reflect upon all the ways God might be using our church to guide you in your relationship with Jesus Christ and make God’s love known within and beyond this community. As you consider this, please know how vital your financial support is to sustaining and expanding our commitment to Christ in this community and beyond. 

You can submit your pledge by returning that pledge card in the mail, dropping it in an offering plate on Sunday morning, giving it to a minister or dropping it off at the church, or online at our website at fpcnaples.org/stewardship. Please know my sincere thanks for all that you contribute to the life of the First Presbyterian Church in Naples, where in the Heart of Naples with the love of God; we worship, we love, we serve, we grow. 

Please join me in worship this Sunday at 10 a.m. as together we worship the Risen Lord!

In Christ,

Aaron

Dr. Aaron Janklow

Senior Pastor and Head of Staff