Cultivating Generosity: Tending the Garden of Our Past 🌱

As we begin our Generosity Lived: Rooted in Community initiative, we invite you to reflect on how the seeds of our past shape our generosity today. This week’s theme, Tending the Garden of Our Past, calls us to look back at the lessons, people, and experiences that have formed our approach to giving and financial stewardship.

If you weren't able to join in worship yesterday, catch up with Pastor Bev's sermon, "Rediscovering Our Roots," or watch the full service.

Week 1 Devotionals

At the heart of “Rooted in Community” lies a deep commitment to living out our faith in tangible ways. Our daily actions, reflections, and prayers during this initiative are exercises of faith that strengthen our roots in God’s love and grace. Each day, we explore how our faith shapes our generosity, inspiring us to live more fully as disciples of Christ. As you spend time each day in devotion, may this exercise deepen your spiritual journey and unite us in our shared mission to nurture, love, and serve all.

Sunday, October 6 - Tending the Garden of Our Past

Read: Psalm 78:1-7 & Deuteronomy 6:1-9

Reflect: Just as a tree finds strength in its deep roots, so too do we draw from the well of our past as we explore our journey with generosity. As we begin this generosity initiative, let’s take time to reflect on the family, experiences, and lessons that have influenced our financial decisions and relationship with faith.

The psalmist calls us to remember, teaching future generations the stories and lessons of the past so they can build upon that foundation. Paul’s words in Galatians remind us not to grow weary in doing good, for in due season, we will reap if we persist. These scriptures help us see that the seeds planted in the past—whether wisdom, generosity, or even challenges—continue to shape us.

Who were the early gardeners in your life, and how did they shape your values around money and faith? What lessons or experiences stand out as pivotal in shaping how you give, save, or spend?

Pray: Loving God, guide me as I reflect on the seeds of the past that have shaped my journey. Help me recognize the moments of abundance, the challenges, and the lessons that form the soil of my life. Root me in your grace as I seek to grow in generosity. Amen.

Monday, October 7

Read: “I will open my mouth in parables, I will utter things hidden from of old—the things we have heard and known, things our ancestors have told us. We won’t hide them from our children; we will tell the next generation.” - Psalm 78:2-4a (Inclusive Bible)

Reflect: What stories from your family or community shaped how you view wealth, generosity, or scarcity? How can these stories continue to influence your choices today?

Pray: God of wisdom, help me to learn from the stories of my past. Let these stories guide me toward a life of generosity and faith. Amen.

Tuesday, October 8

Read: “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your might. Keep these words that I am commanding you today in your heart. Recite them to your children and talk about them when you are at home and when you are away, when you lie down and when you rise.” - Deuteronomy 6:4-7 (NRSV)

Reflect: How do the core beliefs you hold shape the way you live your daily life and model generosity to others? How can you share and instill the values of love, faith, and generosity with those around you?

Pray: God of all, help me to love you with my whole heart and to live out that love in generous ways. May my actions reflect the values you have written on my heart, and may I share them with those I meet every day. Amen.

Wednesday, October 9

Read: “For the fruit of all creation, thanks be to God. For these gifts to ev’ry nation, thanks be to God. For the plowing, sowing, reaping, silent growth while we are sleeping, future needs in earth’s safe-keeping, thanks be to God.” - ELW 679 For the Fruit of All Creation, verse 1

Reflect: How does God’s constant provision encourage you to give thanks for your past and trust in your future? What seeds can you plant today for future generations?

Pray: Creator God, thank you for the gifts of today and the promises of tomorrow. May I trust in your abundance as I plant seeds for the future. Amen.

Thursday, October 10

Read: “Honor YHWH with all that you have, and with the first and best part of what you create; then your silos will be filled with wheat and your barrels filled with wine.” - Proverbs 3:9-10 (Inclusive Bible)

Reflect: What does it mean for you to honor God with the firstfruits of your labor? How might this practice shift your relationship with money?

Pray: Generous God, may I honor you with my resources, trusting that you will provide in every season. Amen.

Friday, October 11

Read: “Every time I take a step in the direction of generosity, I know I am moving from fear to love.” - Henri Nouwen

Reflect: What fears hold you back from being more generous with your time, talents, or money? How might a step toward generosity shift you from fear to love?

Pray: Lord, give me the courage to let go of fear and embrace generosity in all areas of my life. Amen.

Saturday, October 12

Read: “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” - Luke 6:38 (NRSV)

Reflect: How have you experienced the principle of generosity in your life? How has it shaped your perspective on giving and receiving?

Pray: Lord, teach me to give freely and generously, knowing that You bless those who give with open hearts. Amen.

Commitment Sunday – October 27

On October 27, we invite everyone to join us for Commitment Sunday. Bring your filled Commitment Card as we consecrate our commitments together. This day marks a significant moment as we pledge continued support for God’s work through the mission and ministry of Trinity Lutheran Church & Schools. If you can’t make it in person, join worship virtually and make your commitment online.

Online Commitment Card