Stewardship

"As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace." — 1 Peter 4:10

At the beginning of Bible study at St. Michael’s every Wednesday, we go around and each participant is invited to share a prayer request. These can be prayers of thanksgiving, praise, petition, or intercession. Every week, gratitude is a major theme. While those present or someone we know may be struggling with health, with relationship concerns, with financial concerns, we are grateful for the gifts we have received and grateful for the gift that is St. Michael and All Angels Episcopal Church.

The verse above from 1 Peter says that when we receive gifts, we should use those gifts for others. Wednesday Bible Study is a great example of that. Those of us who participate receive a gift and also give one, as our participation blesses someone else. This is true whether or not you believe you’ve said anything profound. We can be as much of a blessing (and often more so) by sitting and listening as we can by speaking.

Stewardship season in the church is an opportunity to reflect on the gifts that God has given us. This Stewardship season I’ve asked you all to think about how you plan to share your time and talent at St. Michael’s in addition to your financial gifts. I hope you know how valuable your participation is at worship, attending pot-luck, or sharing the name of your favorite hymn. I hope you feel empowered to step into one of the many leadership roles available, maybe as a host or running the livestream or as a member of the lawn team. There are so many ways to minister in this church. Your gifts of time and talent are needed and appreciated.

Your financial gifts are also needed and appreciated. The great news about a financial gift is that financial gifts benefit all ministries. Maybe you don’t have the time or the knees to push a lawnmower – your financial gifts support Buildings & Grounds. Maybe you aren’t called to work with children – your financial gifts support Christian Formation. Maybe you can’t play an instrument, or your computer literacy isn’t great – your financial gifts support Worship. Maybe you can’t get here early enough to pick up donuts on Sunday morning – your financial gifts support Hospitality and Fellowship. And Mission & Outreach. And Evangelism & Communication. And Pastoral Care. And Administration. Your financial gifts to St. Michael and All Angels enable us to be a welcoming and caring body of Christ open to all. They fuel the mission of our church and support its ministries.

As I consider the gifts I have received, I am so aware of the gift that is your generosity.

Estimates of Giving will be blessed at both All Saints’ Day services on November 1.