ALL IN

Where Your Passions Meet the World’s Needs – There You will Find God

     The fall is now upon us, a time to get back to our busy lives.  I invite you to take a moment and reflect on your service to Christ.  In this especially troubling time of economic heartache, it is vital for us as Christians to show our faith by our actions.  There are many people out there with real needs; people having such difficulties that they don’t know where their next meal is coming from, people that are unemployed, people that are having a crisis of faith: in their nation, and possibly in God.  How do we then as Christians become Christ for those in need?  Stewardship is a great way to let others see the light of Christ in you.

     For each of us, Stewardship takes on many guises.  To one, it’s donating to a church, a children’s hospital, or to a charitable organization.  To another, it’s caring for someone in need, or caring for our planet.  The word Stewardship means to take care of that which belongs to another.  In the Christian sense, this means we are responsible to care for all of God’s creations - ourselves, our neighbors, and our world.

     We all have special gifts and talents.  Each of us is unique and has something very special to offer. We all have a song to sing, and no one should leave here with that song unsung.  We are all an integral part of God’s creation - fitting together like pieces of a puzzle. We are all of us joined and share the same spirit.  Stewardship, then, is a way to re-connect with one another and with God through fellowship and communion; by giving of ourselves to one another.

     Now is a good time to reflect on how best to serve one another by giving of ourselves—our time, our money, our talents, and especially our spiritual gifts.

     It is my hope to encourage you to envision how we all can better serve the future of our Church in service to Christ.  My vision is to inspire you to search for the opportunities to use your gifts in service to Christ by matching your passions with the world’s needs - whatever they may be!  God works through us all in many different ways.  Our God is a God of love and abundance.  There is always enough when we share our blessings with one another.

     I ask each of you this fall to reflect upon how you can be a good steward with what God has entrusted you with.  For example ask yourself:

            - What is my profession?

- What are my hobbies?

            - Am I an "at home Mr. Fixit"?

- Do I like to cook?

- Do my friends think that I’m the most organized person they know?

- Am I great with kids/teens?

- Do I love to plan events?

- Am I tithing the resources God has graciously blessed me with?

- Do I have an idea for ministry, or a cause I would like to champion?

     Your church welcomes all your talents "great and small".  Your gifts, talents, and passions will be used in the service of Christ by serving the Church, your community and the world!  A recent USA today poll showed that the happiest people on our planet were those who volunteered their time in service to others!  Let us know how you can be of service; even in a small way; even with limited resources or time.  Little is much when God’s in it!  Prayerfully consider God’s purpose for you in serving His church and His people.

     Working for God may not seem to pay much money, but the fringe benefits and His retirement plan are out of this world!

…and don’t be shy in letting me know how I can be of service to you as well!

your faithful servant,

carmen