For the last couple of years, we have moved our Stewardship season back to October. The leaves start changing. The crops are harvested. The beginning of the fourth quarter. And sweater weather.We begin the month with World Communion Sunday, and we close it with Reformation Sunday. It’s a good time for taking stock and counting our blessings.
Our 300th Anniversary celebration began last week… as a church, we are taking stock. We heard from Jackie and Geneva some recent history about John and Elizabeth Kendall, members from before Michael was our pastor.
We were “introduced” to the Kendalls because part of Anniversary Sunday was the announcement that the church is receiving a generous, indeed historic bequest from them. They had set up a living trust that, once its first beneficiary passed, the church, as second beneficiary, would receive the proceeds of the trust. That money will be added to our endowment, per our policy on bequests, and bear fruit for this congregation for generations to come.
The Elders will be speaking with the church in the coming months about how the resources John and Elizabeth so thoughtfully and faithfully planned for the church might affect our congregational life and ministry.
On Sunday, making the announcement of the Kendall’s bequest, Julie hit the nail on the head when she reminded us of the biblical teaching: “to whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48). The Kendalls’ gift is an opportunity for our church; it’s also a responsibility.
Beth D. heard that instruction too and is making it the focus of this year’s 2027 Stewardship Campaign. Starting this Sunday, Old Firsters each Sunday will offer brief “Stewardship Moments” talking about “how I have been given much.”
Hopefully, their stories will help the rest of us to take stock, asking ourselves how we too are the recipients of plenty… as we consider our responsibility and what our congregation feels called to do together.
Look forward to Beth’s Stewardship Letter next week. And an Old Firster’s witness to abundance each week.. and for your self-relfection, the chance to ask yourself how you have been given to know plenty.
And from there, what you have to share — in God’s service. Your pledge, sure. But really, the question is always bigger. “If God’s been so good to me, what should I be doing in return and in thanksgiving?”
If you have Stewardship questions, ask Beth D., our Stewardship Director. Or if you need help with your current pledge, speak with Grant F., our Financial Secretary.
