Stewardship of Life and Resources

We began our focus on the Elements of a Living Faith with a sermon series – four weeks to lay out a vision and explain just exactly what each of the elements was about. But, as we all know, information is not the same as action. Knowledge doesn’t always translate into behavior. And so we have committed to providing opportunities for all of us to actually practice each of the elements of a living faith.

We started with Studying Scripture, for a variety of reasons. Scripture is where we all begin to learn the story of God’s relationship with God’s people across time. Our culture is so tuned to the "school calendar year" that we almost instinctively associate fall with learning. And, fall is when we give Bibles to our 5-year-olds and 4th graders, in support of the baptismal promises we all make at every baptism. Study of scripture is a life-long aspect of growing in a living faith.

Sunday school, Confirmation, Adult Forums, and Adult Bible
Studies are all opportunities to practice planting ourselves and our lives deeper into the written word of God. Stewardship of Life and Resources comes next. Not because it’s more important than the others, but because in our part of the world, the season of harvest arrives in the fall. And harvest reminds us of the providence of God – the abundance of blessings that God gives to provide for and nurture all of life.

At the same time we prepare to celebrate Thanksgiving, we also make plans for what we will "set aside" or designate for God’s work. In response to the relationship God creates with us through Jesus, we are invited to consider how we will participate in that relationship through the use of our time, our skills, our attention, and our finances. And, the response that we give to God ends up being a blessing to our neighbor!

When we pool our contributions we are able to carry out the
ministry of this congregation: clergy and musicians are called to lead worship, preach, administer the sacraments, teach, and guide the community. Children’s ministry and Youth ministry have a staff person to focus on faith formation at age-appropriate levels. Administrative staff organizes and facilitates our communication and our information. Our facilities staff sets up, cleans up, and maintains the building that provides the space to gather for worship and ministry. And our many ministry opportunities are made concrete through the contributions of each one of us. Together we participate in the coming of God’s reign in and through this particular church.

On our own, the challenge would be insurmountable. In God's goodness, we are drawn into communities of faith so that we share the joys, the responsibilities, the blessings, and the growth that are part of a Living Faith. Let’s keep practicing!