God’s Generosity with Grace is Our Example
Dear Congregation,
This year we are starting a new chapter in the life of Westminster Presbyterian Church. After decades of declining or barely maintained membership, in 2017 we grew, with more new members than we have had in years! A lot of this growth is related to the welcoming nature of our congregation, as well as our understanding of grace. Accepting that we need each other and, ultimately, that we all need God is the humbling equalizer that stands as an example for us.
But along with a growth in membership, we need to have a vital stewardship in order to have the impact in our community that we are called to give. The stewardship committee came up with this year's theme, “God’s Generosity with Grace is Our Example.” Just as we have learned to be gracious and accepting of the people that have come through our doors, we are also called to be gracious with the gifts that God has given to us.
One of the unique aspects of being Presbyterian is that while we may have clergy, their role is not to be the minister of the church, but rather a teacher. The role of minister is reserved for the members of the church—all of the members! The understanding of this ministry is at the root of how we see ourselves and our role in the church and community. It reminds us that what we have and who we are is not solely for our own use, but rather to evangelize and care for this broken world.
Moreover, this is where stewardship becomes key to our faith life. As ministers, we have an equal calling to be good stewards. This means that we are called to take care of what God has entrusted within us, whether that is our personal finances or the church. The community gives, serves and prays because it is a community of faith.
The real question is, what can you do?
During the month of January in worship, we will hear about more wonderful things that have been accomplished through your faithful stewardship. I ask you to consider what God has done, is doing for you and among us, and what God is calling you to do in your ministry. Then, in joyful response, we will gather together on Sunday, January 28 to dedicate our pledges for next year’s operating budgets. Please bring your pledge card to that service or pledge online at http://www.westpres-sj.org/pledge.html.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Bryan James Franzen, Pastor and Elder Ross Barrons, Chair of Stewardship
This year we are starting a new chapter in the life of Westminster Presbyterian Church. After decades of declining or barely maintained membership, in 2017 we grew, with more new members than we have had in years! A lot of this growth is related to the welcoming nature of our congregation, as well as our understanding of grace. Accepting that we need each other and, ultimately, that we all need God is the humbling equalizer that stands as an example for us.
But along with a growth in membership, we need to have a vital stewardship in order to have the impact in our community that we are called to give. The stewardship committee came up with this year's theme, “God’s Generosity with Grace is Our Example.” Just as we have learned to be gracious and accepting of the people that have come through our doors, we are also called to be gracious with the gifts that God has given to us.
One of the unique aspects of being Presbyterian is that while we may have clergy, their role is not to be the minister of the church, but rather a teacher. The role of minister is reserved for the members of the church—all of the members! The understanding of this ministry is at the root of how we see ourselves and our role in the church and community. It reminds us that what we have and who we are is not solely for our own use, but rather to evangelize and care for this broken world.
Moreover, this is where stewardship becomes key to our faith life. As ministers, we have an equal calling to be good stewards. This means that we are called to take care of what God has entrusted within us, whether that is our personal finances or the church. The community gives, serves and prays because it is a community of faith.
The real question is, what can you do?
During the month of January in worship, we will hear about more wonderful things that have been accomplished through your faithful stewardship. I ask you to consider what God has done, is doing for you and among us, and what God is calling you to do in your ministry. Then, in joyful response, we will gather together on Sunday, January 28 to dedicate our pledges for next year’s operating budgets. Please bring your pledge card to that service or pledge online at http://www.westpres-sj.org/pledge.html.
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Bryan James Franzen, Pastor and Elder Ross Barrons, Chair of Stewardship
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