Clergy Notes — Sunday, November 5, 2017

ASPECTS OF STEWARDSHIP

 

Stewardship: Using the gifts God gives us to the mission God is calling us to do

Tithing: giving to God in a way that is personal (your choice), proportional (to what God has given you), and sacrificial (an intentional gift from the heart)        Mark 12.41-44

I…/We…

        Believe

                       Worship

                                      Pray

                                                     Participate

                                                                                   Serve

                                                                                                  Give

                                                                                                                 Thank

Stewardship of Time for ourselves and for others

Stewardship of Creation

Stewardship of Talent

Stewardship of Money

 

This week has been spent planning formation for the coming months. Advent is round the corner and we are already thinking about Lent! I know! Slow down!

We’ve had The Heart of the City Festival this past week which has included the bargain sale, a concert, and a performance by the music academy, the art show and the All Souls Mass too! That’s a lot to pack in, and none of it would be possible without volunteers: people who serve.

Did you know that volunteering is part of what it means to be Canadian? I learned this when I became a citizen and I think it is a key part of Canadian culture as well as part of our ministry at St. James’, because volunteering is almost always an act of service.

Jesus talked about this: “You know that among the Gentiles those whom they recognize as their rulers lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. But it is not so among you; but whoever wishes to become great among you must be your servant, and whoever wishes to be first among you must be slave of all. For the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:42-45).

Growing in Christ means taking these words to heart, and that’s not easy when we pack so much into our lives, and live in a culture where winning and being first is rewarded and highly valued.

During this time where we reflect on what we have and what we are able to give, I encourage you to slow down and take a look at where you are spending yourself. It’s not just about money (although Jesus talks about that a lot!). Where are you spent? Your time? Your energy? Your gifts?

It is good for us to be here. I give thanks for all that you do here and continue to be excited by the potential to serve here at St. James’.

Mother Lucy