“A person whose responsibility it is to take care of
something”. That’s how the dictionary defines the word “steward”. A person who
looks after something. That’s us – we are stewards in countless ways. We are
stewards for one another, stewards for God’s creation, and, of course, stewards
of our church.
Our church is our responsibility, collectively and
individually. All of us together decide whether our facility will look clean,
well-maintained, and inviting, or whether it will look worn, dingy and dreary.
All of us together decide what kind of music program we will have for young and
old alike, whether it will encourage us all to make a joyful noise to the Lord,
or whether it will be without inspiration. All of us together decide what kinds
of programs we will offer our children and young people, whether they will
nurture their faith or turn them away. And all of us together decide what kind
of foundational ministry we will offer to the children of our community through
our Early Learning Center.
Stewardship is so much more than the few weeks in the
Fall we set aside for our Stewardship campaign. Stewardship is quite literally
everything we do at church and through church. The fact is this: we are called
by God to be stewards. The Fall campaign reminds us of that call and our need
to respond with our treasure, as well as time and talent, all so we can steward
faithfully the ministries God calls us to do in the name of Jesus Christ.
I’ve been tempted over the years to follow the example
of public television and stop worship right in the middle of the service each
Sunday during our annual stewardship campaign and say, “Isn’t this worship
service wonderful? Don’t you want more like this? Well call now with your
pledge! Operators are standing by!” Public television has been using this
method, even though they acknowledge how annoying it is, because it effectively
reminds viewers that none of the wonderful programming would exist without
their financial support. We won’t try that, of course. Still, everything we do
requires financial resources – our financial resources, yours and mine.
I’ve already made my pledge of financial support to the
ministries we’ll do next year because I am excited about and very proud of all
we do here at Manassas Presbyterian Church in the name of Christ. I find great
joy in doing my part of be a faithful steward.
Your turn will come starting on October 14 when we
launch our Fall Stewardship Campaign. Fill out and return your pledge card as a
sign of your eager acceptance of your call by God to be a faithful steward of
all the many ministries we do here as we serve the Lord. It’s a piece of cake!
Grace & peace,
Pastor Skip
Pastor Skip
