Today’s Readings:

Genesis 1:26-31
Revelation 21:1-7
John 1:1-4
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. (John 1:1)

And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. (Philippians 4:7)

Dearly Beloved,

This Sunday, we begin a few week series on “stewardship” and yes, I know that its not the fall yet. Often this part of our faith life gets relegated to our yearly pledge drive and talk about budgets. The first thing that often comes to mind is money – which is only one part of stewardship.

The fullness of stewardship takes us back to creation when God called upon us to “have dominion” and “subdue” creation (Gen 1:26-28). These kinds of words lend themselves to control and conquer, to do whatever we wish with what he have. They lend themselves to a kind of disposable society. Yet, when we think about all that God has made, called “good” and wants it to be fruitful and multiply, we are mindful of a sense of abundance.

Rather than “use up”, we are called to a life of stewardship, to care for all that God has made. It has been entrusted to us – not as our personal belongings but as a loan from God in order that this world and everything in it may be fruitful and multiply. All that we can see, feel, touch, all that we have is a gift and blessing from God. Just as we ask children to take care of that which we give them, God asks the same of us.

Does this change how you view not just stewardship but how you view your own life? We will be reflecting more about this over these next few weeks. Plan to join us for worship as we seek to be faithful stewards and live thankful lives.

peace in Christ, Pastor Jen