Each fall, we take a few weekends to talk intentionally about stewardship.  Stewardship is a grateful way of life that underlies all we do as Church, every day, all year long.  But once a year, we take the opportunity to stop and look specifically at it – what it means in our own lives and what, specifically, we will commit to doing and giving in the coming year.

This year, our stewardship renewal kicks off with a gala Parish Expo this weekend – all ministries and organizations have been invited to come and display what they do.  Come and take a look at all our wonderful, multicultural parish has to offer – and have some great food and fellowship as you consider how the Lord might be calling you to offer your time and talents here at (parish name) and the greater (town or city name) area.

Then, next weekend, we will be invited to renew our financial commitment to the parish.  Why does the church ask us to give of our treasure as well as our time and talent?  And why do we give?  The steward’s answer is that we give because we have a need to give, and more fundamentally, because God gives to us!  Everything we have – all that we own and believe is ours – is first a gift from God to us.  Whether it is the talents and skills that fit us for the work we do, or the abilities, opportunities, and relationships that enrich our lives, everything is ultimately God’s gift to us.  So, why give?  The short answer is, because God gives to us!

Scripture says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.”  And then that Son gave himself totally for us!  And sent his Holy Spirit, Scripture tells us, to be his first gift to us who believe, “that we might no longer live for ourselves, but for him.”  That, in a nutshell, is stewardship.  God loved, God gave – and invites us to do the same.

At every Eucharist, that holy exchange of gifts, God gives himself to us again – and invites us to give ourselves to others in love and service:  “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.” 

Please consider giving yourself to (parish name) again this year.  Pledge cards are enclosed inviting your participation in one or more of our many ministries and organizations and asking your commitment to the financial health of the parish, too.  May God guide your decisions and bless you for your generosity.

Each fall, we take a few weekends to talk intentionally about stewardship.  Stewardship is a grateful way of life that underlies all we do as Church, every day, all year long.  But once a year, we take the opportunity to stop and look specifically at it – what it means in our own lives and what, specifically, we will commit to doing and giving in the coming year.

This year, our stewardship renewal kicks off with a gala Parish Expo this weekend – all ministries and organizations have been invited to come and display what they do.  Come and take a look at all our wonderful, multicultural parish has to offer – and have some great food and fellowship as you consider how the Lord might be calling you to offer your time and talents here at (parish name) and the greater (town or city name) area.

Then, next weekend, we will be invited to renew our financial commitment to the parish.  Why does the church ask us to give of our treasure as well as our time and talent?  And why do we give?  The steward’s answer is that we give because we have a need to give, and more fundamentally, because God gives to us!  Everything we have – all that we own and believe is ours – is first a gift from God to us.  Whether it is the talents and skills that fit us for the work we do, or the abilities, opportunities, and relationships that enrich our lives, everything is ultimately God’s gift to us.  So, why give?  The short answer is, because God gives to us!

Scripture says, “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son.”  And then that Son gave himself totally for us!  And sent his Holy Spirit, Scripture tells us, to be his first gift to us who believe, “that we might no longer live for ourselves, but for him.”  That, in a nutshell, is stewardship.  God loved, God gave – and invites us to do the same.

At every Eucharist, that holy exchange of gifts, God gives himself to us again – and invites us to give ourselves to others in love and service:  “Go in peace to love and serve the Lord.” 

Please consider giving yourself to (parish name) again this year.  Pledge cards are enclosed inviting your participation in one or more of our many ministries and organizations and asking your commitment to the financial health of the parish, too.  May God guide your decisions and bless you for your generosity.