Stewardship Ministry
Faithful Stewardship
—Katherine A. HarrisUnless you are faithful in small matters, you won't be faithful in large ones. If you cheat even a little, you won't be honest with greater responsibilities. And if you are untrustworthy about worldly wealth, who will trust you with the true riches of heaven? And if you are not faithful with other people's money, why should you be trusted with money of our own?(Luke 16:10-12)
In every area of life, Christians must seek to ground their thoughts and actions in the truth of God's Word. Thus, the development of a generous lifestyle requires careful study of what the Bible says about money, possessions, stewardship and generosity. Learning to take care of someone else's property—stewardship—begins with small things. It's all part of "stewardship," a fancy word that means so much more than whether or not we put a certain amount into the offering plate on Sunday mornings. What does "stewardship" really mean? Stewardship is more about our attitude than anything else. It's important that you gain the proper understanding of stewardship. By Webster's definition, a steward is "one who manages another's property." We are merely stewards of God's property while we're here on earth. God will not force his will on us. If we transfer everything to God, he will keep his promise to meet every need we have through physical, material, and spiritual means. God expects us, as Christians, to transfer ownership of every possession to him—money, time, parents, brothers, sisters, girlfriends, boyfriends, education, and things like cars, clothes, and other possessions. Did I leave anything out? If I did, add it to your list. God expects it all. In fact, if you believe you own anything, that will affect your attitude.
Stewardship is a lot more than money. It is true that stewardship is a lot more than money, but it is never less than money. In fact, it would be fair to say that stewardship includes everything that we do in life. In this sense, all sin is poor stewardship, and the Gospel restores us to stewardship in all of life. So good stewardship includes things like church work and hospitality, but to withhold your money (even while doing these other good things) is to rob God (Malachi 3:8). Money plays a unique role in Scripture as a diagnostic tool for the human heart—where you put your money, there your heart will go (Matthew 6:21). If you give your time and talents to the Lord, but keep your money to yourself, then your heart is not with the Lord. Keep practicing service and hospitality, but do not withhold your money from the Lord.
Deuteronomy 8:18 — “Remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth.”
1 Corinthians 4:2 — “Now it is required that those who have been given a trust must prove faithful.”
When we are careful to manage the small things, it shows we understand the concept. Faithful stewardship is the same whether it involves matters large or small. If we will compromise our faithfulness over a small matter, it shows how little we value stewardship. Why sell out your character? That is the idea of Luke 16:10-12. Jesus teaches that how we handle the small things is one of the most important tests of character.
We pray earnestly that God would put to work the riches He has entrusted to us for His Glory. We welcome you to join us…ask any team member Pastor Fazzini, Katherine Harris, Barbara Hollis, Janet Howard, Dawn Jennings, Phyllis Kline, Janet Oberle, Ron Schepis, (Team Leader) and Fred & Sandy Shourds.
Endowment Fund
“Be it further resolved, that the purpose of the Fund is to enhance the mission outreach of The Evangelical Lutheran Church of the Holy Communion, ( hereinafter called Holy Communion), apart from the general operation of the congregation; that no portion of the income generated by the Fund shall be used for the annual operating budget of the congregation. Except that only in the particular, temporary, difficult circumstances, and where integrity of gift restrictions permit, may this congregation by action in meeting assembled, use a portion of the Fund income for its own support services; that except where authorized otherwise in terms of the gift, all principle amounts will be retained and only the income expanded;” More…
