The Wall

They are pinned up there like little bugs in a collection. They cover the whole wall, each with its own space and hanging by a single tack. It's really unbelievable that there are really that many of them, especially all in one place. You have seen them, too, just never took the time to collect them. Just ask Jerry and he will let you see all of them... credit card applications that he has received over the past few years. It really is amazing.

We live in a culture that has been pinned to the wall with credit card debt. Pause and consider a few statistics concerning debt that I learned through our Annual Conference Stewardship training.

According to the Wall Street Journal:

• Americans spend $1.22 for every $1 they earn.

• Half of all households didn't save a penny last year.

• Debt has risen by 30% in the past 5 years.

According to Consumer Bankers Association:

• Average automobile debt is over $20,000.

• Average credit card debt per household is over $8,000.

According to CBS Market Watch:

• Only 4% of all credit card users pay their monthly credit card bills fully on time.

According to Time Magazine:

• Next to health, the biggest source of stress for most people is finances.

These statistics are our statistics. They belong to Alabamians, Californians, blacks, whites, Baptists, and Methodists. Are you burdened by debt and worried about finance? Do you need some help? Do you need some hope?

The Hartford First United Methodist Church is going to offer the Financial Peace University to help us get a handle on this important issue that plagues our people and town. You are invited to sign up through the church office as we schedule the class taught by J.J. Hughes. Go ahead and give us a call. You will be glad you did.