Stewardship is using our money, our skills, and our talents to do God’s work.
It also means caring for God’s good creation. In the fall, the stewardship focus is on highlighting the work and dreams of the congregation and enlisting volunteers for the next year to make sure those dreams come true.
Pledges are made for the next year. Each ministry is given the time and talent commitments of the Stewardship Focus.
During the Pandemic, the focus was Traveling Thru the Wilderness and the pledge of time, talent and money was done through our own Ark of the Covenant.
EXAMPLES OF GIVING TIME, TALENT, AND TREASURE
Working to keep our church grounds trimmed and clean.
Helping in the church office.
Helping prepare church bulletins.
Serving on a church ministry.
Working in the nursery on Sunday.
Prepare & bring food/drinks on special events in Fellowship Hall.
Make contributions to The Link.
Serving as an usher.
Serving as a liturgist.
Serving on committees to (1) help choose a permanent minister (2) nominate new elders (3)
Volunteer to transport someone to Sunday service & other church events.
Giving Talent:
Teaching children or adults.
Playing a musical instrument before the church.
Serving as a member of Vacation Bible School planning committees.
Singing in the church choir.
Participating in the Sunday church service.
Evangelize in the community; invite people to visit our church.
Make contributions to the church website.
Giving Treasure:
Pledge a regular portion of your income to the church.
Contribute to special needs and special church projects.
Leave a bequest of money or other assets to the church in your will (real estate, stocks, etc).
Contribute income from speaking honoraria to the church.
Time, Talents, Treasure
In a moment of sanctuary solitude,
The spirit spoke in a heart-whisper.
Then, in a thundering bellow, it assaulted my ears.
Immobilized, I waited.
“Give your precious time,” it murmured.
“Time to help, to plan, to dream.
Thinking time.
Reasoning time,” it bellowed again.
It whispered anew. “I know your talents.
You keep them secret from but a few.
Reveal and export your talents.
I crave your talents in actions,” it bellowed once more.
A last whisper: “Though your treasure is meager,
a portion I need.
For it sustains, permitting growth and Christian works.
It bellowed yet again: “Do not hoard your treasure, when my needs are great.”
I sat serenely.
Although intended for me,
let the congregation hear this message.
Allow your ears, hearts, and minds to respond.
Peter Messmore
September 2017