Maybe it was going at things backwards, but I was reviewing and revising the Q and A about Stewardship that appears later in this issue, before writing this piece for the Messenger. Must have needed to get a little Muse going….
But in the proofreading I was doing, two things really leaped out at me. The first was under the question, “What is Stewardship?” In the response, the word “transformational” really drew me back. Since we instituted New Consecration Sunday as our stewardship program just under a year ago, I have personally felt, and imagine you may have, too, that the quiet, deliberative conversation with God to determine my Estimate of Giving to the church has been an awakening for me. It has led me to a much deeper, more sensitive appreciation for how God enriches my life, often just by placing me inside the walls of St. Gabriel’s. I am much more aware of the people with whom I meet, worship, and study. I see more readily, and embrace, the values and trusts we share, as well as the differences in need and response we bring to similar experiences.
The second attention-getter for me came with the question, “Can I practice stewardship without pledging – by just putting money in the plate?” That leap-out word in the response is “commitment”. Completing that Estimate of Giving card, signing it, and turning it in, creates a promise to God, and to the church, to live trusting in the love and plenty God provides for us, and to give back proportionally from that bounty. For those who haven’t pledged before, signing that card for the first time can be quite an act of courage. It can also be very liberating and empowering, focusing on the spirit of God in our lives, rather than the things ~ possessions or finance ~ that can occupy our days.
I am delighted to serve once again as the Stewardship Chair at St. Gabriel’s. Joining me on the committee this year are Joan McCumby, Stuart Babicky, Denise McMillan, Dana Kuiper, Julie LeGrove, Zach Meskell, and Larry Rummell. Our Guest Leader is Pastor Bob McIntyre, whom many of you may remember from his participation on our Lenten Word panels. Together we are looking to deliver four weeks of ideas and offerings that are directed at helping you have that personal conversation with God, and deciding how much, from all that is give to you, you are going to give back. To help you with that process, I offer this prayer, which I’ve share with our committee:
“Generous God, I give thanks to you for the gifts you have given me – my life, my family, my friends, time, talents and material possessions. All that I have comes from you. Help me to remember this and rejoice in your goodness.
Walk with me, my God. Help me on my spiritual journey, so that I may constantly renew my relationship with you and all the good people in our church and throughout our community.
Renew in me your spirit. Give me the strength and courage to become a better follower of Jesus, to be a disciple. Help me hear the call to ‘Come, Follow Me’.
I give glory to you, my God, as I make stewardship a way of life. Amen.”
Kathy Prenger
Considering how much to give? Read Lincoln Eng's
message:
"My giving to God that which is God's gift
to me".
FAQ; Frequently Asked Questions about the Annual Stewardship Pledge are available here.