Time, talent and tithing--it's the season again when many local churches

urge their members to take stock of their contributions in those specific

areas.

Providence United Methodist

Church in Fayetteville has just launched its Stewardship Campaign 2000.

Each Sunday in October, one aspect of giving, such as prayers, presence,

gifts and service will be highlighted, according to the Rev. Jim Ellison,

Pastor.

Holy Trinity Catholic Church

in Peachtree City has appealed to its parishioners to give prayerful consideration

to sharing additional time and talent in one of the more than two dozen

active ministries of the church, as well as reviewing financial commitments

to the parish and special ongoing projects.

This Sunday is Dedication Sunday

at Christ Our Hope Lutheran Church in Riverdale, pastored by the Rev.

Jeffrey Halenza. "It's the day on which we present at the altar our

pledges of time and ability and financial support," Halenza said.

He offers his church members

seven reasons for pledging to the church:

* Just as God has pledged his

love to us in Christ; we need to pledge our love in return to express

our thanks and praise. By pledging a portion of our income and committing

a portion of our time and ability, we show that our love for God is real;

pledging is a way of loving God.

* Pledging connects us to Christ

* Pledging establishes priorities

in our lives; it is a concrete way of putting God first.

* Pledging gives meaning to

what we do; only by committing to and involving ourselves in something,

does it have meaning for us.

* Pledging enables a congregation

to develop and plan for the future. As in a family, so too in a church,

you need to know your income in order to budget effectively and plan.

* Pledging is a way of investing

and involving ourselves in something that truly matters; our own spiritual

growth, our children, the community, Christ's church.

* Pledging expresses a trust

in God, and a willingness to follow Christ; it is a very real way to say,

"I believe."