Jesus gave us the Parable of the Talents to teach that we are responsible to use God’s gifts – to develop them, to grow them, and then to offer them back to Him. Although we all receive different gifts, we see in this parable that there is no difference in God’s reward for what we accomplish with them. If you want to be a faithful servant, then take whatever you have and offer it faithfully to the Lord. It is not about how much you have, it is what you do with it.
This past year we have collectively accomplished so much (see below for just a few highlights) for which I am grateful for all that we have offered to God together. Yet there is so much potential we still have. Not only are there growing opportunities to help in our ministries but continued opportunities to grow spiritually and relationally together. To serve one another, our community, the Salem metropolis area and by extension the whole world. The goal with being a good and faithful servant isn't about doing more than we can, it is about reflecting honestly about what we have and reprioritizing how we use the blessings we have in the best way. Again, it isn't about how much you have but it is what you do with it.
Giving to His Church is a way to thank God for His grace and generosity. The question is not, “What do I owe?” but “How can I thank God for my many blessings?” We see our church, not as it is, but as it could be. We offer our time, talent and treasure; our entire life sacrificially, so that, as members of the Body of Christ, we may reach our full potential in Him.
As you receive the opportunity to complete a stewardship card for this year (either online, digitally or in paper in the narthex), please give prayerful consideration to the commitment you are making. A check mailed to the church is most meaningful when accompanied by your presence, by your willingness to serve, by your prayers, and by your commitment. Giving is not a substitute for commitment but to be part of our wonderful community and share our lives with one another in service to our Lord. All your offerings to Christ in His Church are an expression of your commitment and an expression of thanks for the many blessings in your life.
In Christ,
Fr. Steve
This past year we have collectively accomplished so much (see below for just a few highlights) for which I am grateful for all that we have offered to God together. Yet there is so much potential we still have. Not only are there growing opportunities to help in our ministries but continued opportunities to grow spiritually and relationally together. To serve one another, our community, the Salem metropolis area and by extension the whole world. The goal with being a good and faithful servant isn't about doing more than we can, it is about reflecting honestly about what we have and reprioritizing how we use the blessings we have in the best way. Again, it isn't about how much you have but it is what you do with it.
Giving to His Church is a way to thank God for His grace and generosity. The question is not, “What do I owe?” but “How can I thank God for my many blessings?” We see our church, not as it is, but as it could be. We offer our time, talent and treasure; our entire life sacrificially, so that, as members of the Body of Christ, we may reach our full potential in Him.
As you receive the opportunity to complete a stewardship card for this year (either online, digitally or in paper in the narthex), please give prayerful consideration to the commitment you are making. A check mailed to the church is most meaningful when accompanied by your presence, by your willingness to serve, by your prayers, and by your commitment. Giving is not a substitute for commitment but to be part of our wonderful community and share our lives with one another in service to our Lord. All your offerings to Christ in His Church are an expression of your commitment and an expression of thanks for the many blessings in your life.
In Christ,
Fr. Steve
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