It May Not Be What You Think!
We generally think of “stewardship” as the annual emphasis to encourage us to give generously of our financial means to support the various, important, lifechanging ministries of our church. That is an important aspect, and we should not underestimate its value. However, there is much more to the meaning of “stewardship.”
“Stewardship” involves:
- Showing up on Sunday, November 16, for lunch (after worship) and the congregational conversation hosted by the Transition Team and Strategic Planning Committee as Bob Thomason leads us in a conversation regarding MPBC leadership structure
- Coming to work when there is a day to “spruce up” our church facilities and campus so it will be more inviting to both members and newcomers
- Volunteering in the church office, our spiritual growth ministries, our community life ministry, facilities ministry – the list goes on
- Engaging our community on important issues, by marching/protesting, volunteering with organizations that work toward economic, social, environmental, educational justice
- Donating food and volunteering with organizations that address food insecurity
- Contacting your governmental office holders to express your position on justice and other issues
- Volunteering with our “adopted” school, Pinewood Elementary – Also, Freedom School in the summer
- Working with organizations that assist immigrants in seeking and maintaining legal status
- Welcoming guests who attend Sunday worship and following up with invitations to non-worship events
- Inviting family, friends, and neighbors to worship and other events the MPBC sponsors and hosts
- Studying scripture together
- Praying for our church, for our next senior minister, for others, and even for our enemies
- Helping our church imagine ways to better utilize our beautiful facilities
- Creating opportunities for our members, guests, friends, and neighbors to create and sustain relationships/community
- Speaking positive words about our church and ministries to others
- Being present regularly for worship and other activities
- Calling members that you haven’t seen around the church lately
- Joining the choir (if you can sing!)
- Volunteering to be a worship greeter, worship leader, etc.
These are just a few of the ways you and I can exercise responsible “stewardship” with our lives. I hope you’ll take your God-given gifts and use them in the work of God’s Kingdom through MPBC!
