When we think about stewardship we think “How much do we need to give to the Church?”, or “How much is the Church going to need to keep its programs going?”
Stewardship is really about doing what God has always done. Throughout the ages, with love, He has given to us freely and unconditionally, everything we need to live faithfully and happily. Our Lord created us, in His image and likeness, out of a selfless love. Then He placed us on this earth, a place that He created out of love. God watches over us everyday and blesses us in any and all circumstances as we enjoy His presence in and around us. No matter where we go or what we do, God is there to bless us and give us His everlasting love. We could not exist without His love.
God has commanded us to love one another the way that He loves us. For this reason, and in gratitude for God’s blessings, we are challenged to make a difference in the church and the world. Giving is one way we accomplish this. Faithful giving allows us the opportunity to be Christ to the person in need. It is a way of living, it is a change of heart, and just like any spiritual gift, the more we practice it ~ the more we will live it.
Stewardship is really about doing what God has always done. Throughout the ages, with love, He has given to us freely and unconditionally, everything we need to live faithfully and happily. Our Lord created us, in His image and likeness, out of a selfless love. Then He placed us on this earth, a place that He created out of love. God watches over us everyday and blesses us in any and all circumstances as we enjoy His presence in and around us. No matter where we go or what we do, God is there to bless us and give us His everlasting love. We could not exist without His love.
God has commanded us to love one another the way that He loves us. For this reason, and in gratitude for God’s blessings, we are challenged to make a difference in the church and the world. Giving is one way we accomplish this. Faithful giving allows us the opportunity to be Christ to the person in need. It is a way of living, it is a change of heart, and just like any spiritual gift, the more we practice it ~ the more we will live it.
“May God...who reached out in love and surprised you with gifts of unending help and confidence, put a fresh heart in you…” 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17.
As we prayerfully reflect on what God has called us to give we need to remember that God has given each of us special gifts and talents. Please consider sharing some of your gifts and talents to help our church continue to minister to the community of Brimfield and the World at large.
“Though we are many, we are all one body in union with Christ, and we are all joined to each other as different parts of one body. So we are to use our different gifts in accordance with the grace that God has given us.” Romans 12:5,6.
May we as Union Church and as members of the Body of Christ on earth, share what God has given to us and obtain a heart of Christ. We should not see opposition and differences, but rather the unique and beautiful parts of Christ. Every time we give ~ both the giver and receiver disappear and Christ is all that is seen.
May The Lord Bless and Keep You,
Rev. Stephen W. Barch
May The Lord Bless and Keep You,
Rev. Stephen W. Barch
