Throughout the past summer months of June, July, and August, Central has been running a budget shortfall of about $600 a week. This trend needs to be reversed as soon as possible so ministerial services won't have to be cut or other options considered.

So, as you consider giving to something that is making an eternal difference consider the story of a pig, a cow, and tithing.

"Why is it," a tight-wad, fearful church leader said to his minister, "that people call me stingy when everyone knows that when I die I'm leaving everything to this church?"

"Let me tell you the story of the pig and the cow," said the minister. "The pig was unpopular and the cow was very beloved. This puzzled the pig. 'People speak warmly of your gentle nature' the pig said to the cow, 'they think you're generous because each day you give them milk and cream. But what about me? I give them everything I have. I give them bacon and ham and yet no one likes me. Why is that?'

The cow answered, 'Perhaps it's because I give while I'm still living.'"

"You will be enriched in every way for great generosity, which through us will produce thanksgiving to God."

2 Corinthians 9:10-11