Daniel

Taking time to reflect on this has truely been thought provoking.  I can trace my earliest understanding of Stewardship to my early days of Sunday School here at PUMC.  Each Sunday an offering was collected from the class, I looked forward to putting my dollar in the plate, because in my small way I could make a difference just like the grown ups, upstairs.  One of the lessons we studied was from the Book of Mark and I thought I would share that with you this morning.  Mark 12:41-44:  

⁴¹ Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. ⁴² But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents.  ⁴³ Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. ⁴⁴ They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything—all she had to live on.”

From this lesson we learned that its not the amount the widow gave that was significant but its rather what she gave- all she had.  As I went thru confirmation and became an official member of this church, I learned that Stewarship goes far beyond our gifts.  One of the vows we take to become a member is to faithfully participate in ministry by our prayers, presence, service & gifts.  Some of the ways I found myself participating in my vows were by being a Sunday School Teacher, Worship Assistant coordinator, Facebook Live, volunteering at church dinners and our Fill the Truck. 

Definition of a Steward: A person who manages anothers property or financial affairs.

1 Peter 4:10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God's grace in its various forms.

So why do I give - when I came to realize that all that I have is a gift from God.

Psalm 24:1 The earth is the LORD's, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it

As a faithful stewards we are to manage Gods Gifts.

Why do you give?  In what ways do you give?  Serve Coffee at coffee hour,  Writing a note to a college student, holding the door for someone this morning, etc..  Prayerfully consider how you are utilizing your gifts!