Stewardship Reflection, Sunday, September 22, 2019
By: Karen & Mike Huennekens, 2020 Stewardship Campaign Co-Chairs
Why are you here?
David recently asked that of our congregants at our fall kick off Sunday. We laughed, but really, why are you here? It’s a great question. Honestly, Mike and I can’t imagine being anywhere else.
Earlier this month, we returned to our two services and celebrated the beginning of our new season with a family picnic. Children’s Chapel has made a resurgence and our church is back in action after a slower summer pace. We hosted the Diocesan Ordinations and welcomed approximately 300 visitors and priests to celebrate Virginia’s newly ordained who are ready to serve in our communities. There’s excitement around a newly formed Welcomers Committee to serve our newest members. This is just a small snapshot of what makes St. Mary’s special.
Our stewardship theme this year comes from Matthew 6:21, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” In a way, St. Mary’s is a beautiful treasure that we are privileged to call our own. We are blessed by faith, reflection, education, tradition, and friendship. We know your heart is at St. Mary’s. Is your treasure here also?
Mike and I think about the money we spend at the beach on vacation, the box seats for a football game, or those Hamilton tickets! It’s easy to justify the money when it’s something you want to do. We’ve been blessed and God has been good to us. We ask ourselves, are we giving all that we can?
As with other organizations, our costs continue to rise but our giving levels are not reflective of our financial needs. We hope that you will consider your individual capacity for making a difference in the life and work of St. Mary’s. A thriving church such as St. Mary’s needs a strong stewardship culture.
Let our giving reflect our blessings and gratitude by participating and pledging in the Annual Stewardship Campaign. This 8-week pledge campaign begins today and concludes on November 17. Throughout this time, we are leaning on you to make a commitment to support the many ministries of the church for the following year. You may complete your online pledge by visiting the website or mail your pledge card prior to November 17. Our Finance Committee is hard at work preparing the budget for the upcoming year. Together, we can make a difference in the work that God has prepared us to do.
“Now this I say, he who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” 2 Corinthians 9:6-8