“Live consistently with what you
have learned through Christ.
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17 Every generous act of giving, with every perfect gift, is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.[f] 18 In fulfillment of his own purpose he gave us birth by the word of truth, so that we would become a kind of first fruits of his creatures. James 1:17-18
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Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
I am writing this letter on what is most assuredly one of the most beautiful days of the fall. Earlier, as I was walking Joy and thinking about this letter, suddenly what seemed like dozens of squirrels began to “play” in the road ahead. What I first thought to be play was actually work, as they were running into the street to collect the nuts that had fallen from the trees. This hard work provided them with what is most assuredly a wonderful yield and, if they are lucky, have enough for the winter.
Every fall as a congregation we are charged with what seems like an impossible task: coming up with financial commitment pledges from our members to sustain us through the next year. Our elders and clergy sit through a process asking the questions: What is important? What is God calling us to do as a congregation, and what can we afford as we move into the future? When all is said and done, we are left with a budget which must be met to maintain the ministry here.
Friends, this is the difficult part. The reality of what we are as a congregation and our role in the community is important. The financial and physical support we give and the ministry that we have makes our church vital. This support is not only for what happens within our walls, but also for the stability and strength of our community. We do not operate to make money; however, we must come each year and ask for more, because costs go up, needs increase and buildings get older.
In the book of James, the writer sees that churches and individuals are facing many trials and temptations. This is threatening the early church in much the same way trials and temptations threaten the church today. James takes this struggle and reminds us of our place within the greater story of God, recognizing that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17). He goes on to paint a picture of a new piety. It is not an outward piety that people see, but an inward one that calls us to be accountable to our faith. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22)
Stewardship is not about the legacy of this congregation. Rather, it is about being a faithful witness to the work of Jesus Christ and the real presence of the Holy Spirit in our world. Moreover, Stewardship is about not just hearing the message of God, but acting on it.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Bryan James Franzen, Pastor and Elder Ross Barrons, Chair of Stewardship
I am writing this letter on what is most assuredly one of the most beautiful days of the fall. Earlier, as I was walking Joy and thinking about this letter, suddenly what seemed like dozens of squirrels began to “play” in the road ahead. What I first thought to be play was actually work, as they were running into the street to collect the nuts that had fallen from the trees. This hard work provided them with what is most assuredly a wonderful yield and, if they are lucky, have enough for the winter.
Every fall as a congregation we are charged with what seems like an impossible task: coming up with financial commitment pledges from our members to sustain us through the next year. Our elders and clergy sit through a process asking the questions: What is important? What is God calling us to do as a congregation, and what can we afford as we move into the future? When all is said and done, we are left with a budget which must be met to maintain the ministry here.
Friends, this is the difficult part. The reality of what we are as a congregation and our role in the community is important. The financial and physical support we give and the ministry that we have makes our church vital. This support is not only for what happens within our walls, but also for the stability and strength of our community. We do not operate to make money; however, we must come each year and ask for more, because costs go up, needs increase and buildings get older.
In the book of James, the writer sees that churches and individuals are facing many trials and temptations. This is threatening the early church in much the same way trials and temptations threaten the church today. James takes this struggle and reminds us of our place within the greater story of God, recognizing that “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.” (James 1:17). He goes on to paint a picture of a new piety. It is not an outward piety that people see, but an inward one that calls us to be accountable to our faith. “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.” (James 1:22)
Stewardship is not about the legacy of this congregation. Rather, it is about being a faithful witness to the work of Jesus Christ and the real presence of the Holy Spirit in our world. Moreover, Stewardship is about not just hearing the message of God, but acting on it.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Bryan James Franzen, Pastor and Elder Ross Barrons, Chair of Stewardship
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