Thoughts from a Steward

          `Tis the season for giving thanks, and for considering our stewardship. I recently came across the following in a church newsletter. They are shared by a Presbyterian church member, Dorman Craig, of the First Presbyterian Church, Verona, New Jersey (thanks to Dorman and the church's newsletter!):

10     I give out of habit which started way back in the First Presbyterian Church of Blairstown when my mother gave me and my sister and brother each 2 cents, which I put in an envelope marked Youth Budget.

9     I know that the church cannot survive on Talent alone.

8     It is imperative that we provide a heated church in winter.

7     Our mission outreach helps those in need.

6     I am aware that money has power. Wealth is addictive. We should all be on guard. Money can replace God (with a capital letter) as your god (with a small g).

5     I believe that the giver is the primary beneficiary of the gift.

4     As a church officer, I believe that I should set an example. We were all born to manifest the Glory of God within us. It's not just some of us. It is in everyone.

3     The word love appears 714 times in the Bible. Give appears 2172 times. If Jesus talked 3 times more often about money than love, I am not ashamed to talk about the church's need for money.

2     We need to support the operating budget. Without a funded operating budget, we might have to close our doors.  

1     It is what God is calling us to do: take good care of his good gifts. Let us hope that we all feel the same way.

And let us hope… for hope is what the world yearns for desperately. And through hope expressed in stewardship, we may be able to GROW, rather than contract, our ministry in Jesus' name.

Peace,

Rod