Our generosity is informed by the simple theological truth that God has blessed us infinitely with all of the gifts of Creation. Our lives, our labor, our love is devoted to the mission of the Church when we take stock and realize that our lives and our response to God’s generosity are Rooted in Abundance.
Who’s the Lord of your life?
Stewardship in the Bible has to do with understanding that your life is not your own. Your life is on loan from God—regardless if you acknowledge this or not—and God calls you to steward everything about your life for his glory and the good of others.
2 Corinthians 9:6-7: “The point is this: whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
In the end, stewardship in the Bible boils down to this question: Who’s the Lord of your life? Are you or is the Lord? How do you know?
To help you examine yourself (1 Cor. 13:5), here are some questions you can ask:
- Do you desire to seek the Lord?
- Do you long to read the Bible?
- Do you want to participate in the life of Holy Communion?
- Do you follow the Lord as he has revealed himself in the Bible?
- Do you work as if you are working for the Lord?
- Does your checking account reflect Christ’s call on your life as a steward?
These questions and more will help you to make an honest assessment of your life. Please reach out to a vestry member of Holy Communion, a member of the clergy, a member of the Stewardship Committee, or another Christian to help you talk through these questions for support and guidance.
(The above is taken mostly from the website get.tithe.ly)
Please turn in your 2024 pledges as soon as possible, in order for us to create our new year’s budget and prepare reports for the annual meeting.
Come, Lord Jesus, come.
Fill our gift-giving with generosity, making us aware of the true gifts we
have to share with loved ones.
Deepen our sense of joy, making us ever-grateful for the
small gifts others bestow upon us.
Enlarge our capacity for compassion, making us mindful of how we might give to
those in need of sustenance and consolation.
Come into our hearts and homes this Christmas, Lord Jesus,
making us people of joyful generosity and gratitude.
Amen.
(Prayer from http://www.SadlierReligion.com
Your Stewardship Committee