St. Mark’s is well into our Stewardship Campaign, and we are called to remember the source of our existence and return a part those gifts to the Giver, our God. Our pledge to the United Methodist church involves stewardship..how we uphold it by “our prayers, our presence, our gifts and our witness.” So often the thought that comes to mind when hearing the term “stewardship” is strictly monetary. Now without finances a church would not have heat, lights, water, salaries or the ability to support the passion of St. Marks: missions.

 

But more is asked of us besides money. “Our prayers:” asking for guidance and enlightenment as to how and where God is leading us as a church. Do we pray to remember to use Jesus’ life and teachings as examples of how we are to approach the marginalized: immigrants, both legal and illegal, drug addicts, the poor, the imprisoned, the sick, the elderly, to name a few? After all, they are our brothers and sisters, our neighbors by Jesus’ definition.

 

Are we listening for God’s guidance or do the louder voices of society, Hollywood, current trends, politics, pride, envy or our own welfare drown out the Truth, that sometimes we may not want to hear? The Church and her people need prayers.

 

We also pledge “our presence.” I don’t think that is limited to attending services. I need to remind myself to be fully present, fully engaged during a conversation whether that is with a sister UMW’er, one of our sons, or my husband, or someone with a problem. In difficult situations, our presence of “just being there” can be a gift, even if words fail us.

 

“Our witness” has recently been added to the membership pledge, however, I don’t have plans to take a soapbox over to Castleton Mall. But we are a witness to our beliefs through our actions—(you know, “actions speak louder than words”) no matter where we are. Also in class discussions or a private conversation one can share how your own faith has strengthened or guided you through difficult times. It is OK to think “outside the box” when considering our stewardship, but let us all remember the source of all our gifts and blessings. And social action is the way we use part of those gifts and blessings.

 

Susan S.
Mission Coordinator for UMW Social Action
St. Mark’s Lay Leader, 2012-2015