The phrase "God loves a cheerful giver" is an oft repeated one in Christian communities. It's a scripture often used for motivation, an invoocation not just to give a little more, but to slap a smile on your face while you do so, a God-will-love-you-more-if-you-do kind of thing. This give-to-get philosophy is just as abundant in the church as it is in society, but is that really the proper order?

What if we gave generously in light of what God has already done in our lives, instead of being motivated by what else He might do? What if we gave like people who'd effectively already been given everything [2 Peter 1:3]?

This Sunday we'll consider what it means to be a generous people. Worship services are at 9:30am, 11:15am and 5pm at Austin High School.

We've set aside time after each service to answer any specific questions these weeks have brought up in your life. Q+A's are after each service in the AHS cafeteria.

If you missed this past Sunday or the one before, you can download the sermon here.

We’ve set up a blog for frequently asked questions, articles and additional resources about the Bible’s perspective on money; check it out at austinstone.org/moneymatters. Some recent posts:

STORY: Justin and Sally Lopez
QUESTION: I want to honor God with my spending, where should I start?
QUESTION: Should all of my tithe go to my local church?
Stewardship Resources from Redeemer

[read more on the blog]

For all of you 7pm service refuges: our fourth service is coming back for the fall starting next Sunday (August 10). As we resume the 7pm, we’re looking for dedicated volunteers willing to serve on a Sunday team a few times a month. This is a great way to get involved and meet other people at The Austin Stone.

To get connected with a Sunday team, visit austinstone.org/serve.

This summer, we have groups and individuals from The Austin Stone all over the world, living and serving in other communities and sharing the Gospel in word and deed.

Click here to read updates from the team currently in the Dominican Republic.

Here are a few things happening soon at The Austin Stone:

August
3 - Money Matters (week 3)
3 - Money Matters Q&A's after every service
5 - First Tuesday + Kids' Perspectives [map]
24 - Get Trained Class Registration for Fall Semester

September
7 - Vision Series Starts
9 - The Austin Stone on Campus
14 - Fall Get Trained Classes Begin

[more]