By Sarah Bane, Stewardship Team Member (2016)
Each fall I am reminded of the passing of time. I think about: where have I been, how have I arrived in this present moment, and where do I go from here? As a person of faith, I consider these questions through a lens of stewardship-living.
“Stewardship-living? Stewardship?” you may ask, “What is that?” Stewardship is much more than just a fall fundraising campaign. Money is and will always be a piece of stewardship, but I believe we’re called to think of it on a much deeper level – one focused on time, talent and treasure. In other words, stewardship is how we begin to understand that everything about us belongs to God.
Stewardship-living is an ongoing expression of faith in a spirit of joy and generosity, as a response to God’s love. This way of life is an act of praise because God rejoices in our generosity. Stewardship-living is an expression of trust and gratitude in God’s faithfulness. The transforming message of the Gospel frees us to respond to God’s love in ways only enriched by being together in community.
What better time than fall, with our thoughts of Thanksgiving, to recommit to habits that encompass an intentional focus on stewardship-living in our SOTV community? Please join me!
This November, Shepherd of the Valley will be focused on helping all of us express our faith through stewardship-living. During worship the weekend of Nov. 12 & 13 you will be given an opportunity to complete a Response Card.
This Response Card:
- is intended to help you reflect on how your individual gifts of time, talent and treasure can help transform SOTV and the world around us
- will be completed by you and placed in a sealed, self-addressed envelope
- will be brought forward as an offering during worship
- will be returned to you in early 2017 as a reminder of your commitment to stewardship-living
If you are unable to join us for worship that weekend, please stop at the Welcome Center to complete your Response Card. It’s through the invitation of God’s love that we are all freed to respond!
