This Stewardship message is coming to you from Reverend Dr. Donald E.C. Crismon (Don), a former member of St. Peter’s (many years ago), a “Son” of the Congregation, having been ordained into Christian Ministry there at St. Peter’s on June 6, 1965, and one who has not forgotten, and has always been grateful for, the Christian nurture and preparation for ministry received there. I still feel blessed remembering the “saints” who were my nurturers and the nurturers of many others of my generation.
Dorothy and I are honored and grateful for the invitation from Pastor Paul and the Committee, and we look forward to being with you for the Stewardship Celebration on Saturday, November 21 and Sunday, November 22.
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Any sermon, paper or study on stewardship has to begin with the acknowledgment that ALL BELONGS TO GOD. From Genesis 1:26 we read: “God saw everything that he had made, and indeed, it was very good.” A look back into that first chapter of Genesis tells us about the “everything” that he had made, including “humankind.” In another place King David, addressing God, spoke, “For all things come from you, and of your own have we given you.” (See 1 Chronicles 29:10-14).
Recall that well-known hymns/responses of the church have long affirmed our “owner” and the source of all our “blessings.” “Praise God from whom all blessings flow;” “All things are Thine, no gifts have we;” “We give Thee but Thine own, Whate’er the gift may be: All that we have is Thine alone, a trust, O Lord, from Thee” (Pages 356,352,351, The Hymnal of the United Church of Christ).
Following that, leading to wise and faithful stewardship, is the affirmation that GOD IS GENEROUS beyond our comprehension, and GOD’S GIFTS ARE “GOOD.” They are blessings; they are inspiring; they are saving. Moved by that truth, John wrote: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.” (John 3:16, NRSV). That is the GIFT beyond measure, the greatest. And recall that Jesus announced: “I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.” (John 10:10). So our assured blessing from a generous, loving God is life that is ABUNDANT and ETERNAL.
Believing and knowing that, confident in that holy truth, prepares and motivates us to respond in gratitude, faith, joy, and generosity. That response is STEWARDSHIP!
Stewardship is:
- Accepting, with gratitude, all gifts from God;
- Managing all God has given us;
- Caring for God’s creation;
- Using responsibly, sacrificially, and to God’s glory all with which we have been blessed;
- Giving, ungrudgingly, willingly, love being our motive.
- Tithing, the giving one-tenth of treasure, and a significant portion of talent and time. (This has been called “the crucial test of our stewardship”);
- Living the Christ-like life;
- Believing that God rewards the faithful steward.
What faithful stewards we would be if the hymn of our life would be:
Were the whole realm of nature mine,
that were an offering far too small;
love so amazing, so divine,
demands my soul, my life, my all.
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It was through the mission programs and projects at St. Peter’s when we were young adults, serious about being faithful Church Members, that I learned stewardship in depth.
In the 1950’s we were into a building program. I was privileged to serve on the Committee. In such programs part of the discussion and planning, focuses on giving, as we all know. What is our share? What is needed? How much can; how much will each person and / or family give, pledge or promise? How much of a sacrifice are we willing to make? Deep, serious commitments are called for.
It was in that project that Dorothy and I dug deeper than we previously believed we could. Others did the same. That has been our pattern ever since.
TO GIVE ON THE BASIS OF WHAT IS NEEDED BY AND FOR
THE CHURCH AND ITS WORK/MISSION FOR CHRIST, and
ON THE BASIS OF WHAT WE HAVE BEEN GIVEN, BLESSED WITH, OUT OF GOD’S LOVE,
“SO AMAZING, SO DIVINE.”
Your long-time Friend , in Christ,
Don Crismon