Dear Trinity Family & Friends,

Have you ever had a moment when gratitude just stops you in your tracks? You’re going about your day, and suddenly you realize how much God has done for you: blessings you didn’t earn, mercies you didn’t deserve, and grace that keeps meeting you right where you are. And then you wonder: How do I even begin to give something back to God?

This Sunday, we begin our 2025 Stewardship Series with a message entitled “What Can I Give Back?” grounded in two powerful passages — Psalm 116:12–13, 17–19 and Deuteronomy 8:10–18. The psalmist asks, “What can I give back to the Lord for all the good things he has done for me?” Deuteronomy reminds God’s people not to forget the One who brought them into the land, sustained them, and gave them the ability to thrive. Together, these scriptures invite us to see stewardship not as an obligation, but as a joyful response to God’s generosity.

And what a perfect Sunday to begin, World Communion Sunday, a day when Christians across the globe gather at the Lord’s Table. The bread and cup are tangible reminders of the greatest gift we have ever received: Jesus Christ, who gave His life so that we might have life. In light of that gift, giving back is not a burden, but it’s an act of worship.

As we prepare for Sunday, I invite you to reflect: When you think of God’s blessings in your life, what rises to the top? And how might God be calling you to give back — with your time, your talents, your resources, your presence — in gratitude?

Small Group Discussion Questions:

1. The psalmist asks, “What can I give back to the Lord?” How would you answer that question in this season of your life?
2. Deuteronomy 8 reminds us to remember the Lord as the source of all blessings. What helps you keep that perspective?
3. In your own words, how would you describe stewardship as a spiritual practice rather than a fundraising effort?
4. How can generosity in time, energy, and resources strengthen your relationship with God and with others?
5. What is one practical step you could take this month to live with a more grateful and giving spirit?

This series will lead us toward Commitment Sunday on October 26, when each of us will be invited to participate by submitting our 2026 Estimate of Giving Card as an act of worship. It will be a time for us to say together, with our hearts and our commitments, “Here’s what I can give back to the Lord.”

Let’s begin this season of gratitude and generosity together. I look forward to worshiping with you this Sunday as we open our hearts to God’s goodness and respond with joyful giving.

Blessings,

Pastor Dedric

Want to explore more about “What Can I Give Back?” Visit our 2025 Stewardship page for resources, stories, and ways to participate: trinityhsv.org/stewardship