How much money comes through Maple Hill?

The website www.city-data.com reports that the median household income in Maple Hill was $46,875 in 2000. If we go with that number, and multiply it by the 220 households in Maple Hill, that adds up to $10,312,500 flowing through our community each year (not including the households outside the city limits).

All of this, of course, belongs the Lord who gave it. He has allowed us to be stewards over it, and He holds His servants accountable for how it is used (see Luke 19:11-27). This means that none of it should be used nonchalantly. We should pray about our finances to be sure they are set up the way the Lord wants.

How is money spent in Maple Hill? There’s a certain breakdown…

• Taxes take away a sizable portion of it – some would say too much.

• A lot of it goes for housing costs (mortgage payments, insurance, upkeep, etc.).

• Another portion goes for transportation (car payments, gas, maintenance, insurance, etc.).

• And food, clothes, and utilities eat up a lot of the rest of it.
  
  Since our world is like this, the big danger is that we end up leaving God with the leftovers. Imagine living in a family where everybody ate before you, and if there was enough remaining you could eat too. How would you feel? Well, sometimes that’s how people treat God. But the Bible teaches Christians to give their firstfruits – that is, the first portion of their income (Proverbs 3:9). In the Old Testament this was 10% (Leviticus 27:30-33). The New Testament builds on this even more (Luke 19:8-9).
  
  Our church will never nag people about money. We simply teach the Bible, pass the plate, make occasional requests, and let people respond as they feel the Lord is leading them. Whatever you decide to give, know that every dollar will be used prayerfully for a good cause – with the goal of expanding the Kingdom of God.
  
  God bless you -- Andrew McHenry, Pastor