Giving of Our Time and Talent to God
Unless Rev. Rachel makes good on her threat to keep the rotation going after she returns, this is my last reflection for the weekly email. So let me begin by saying how much I appreciate our clergy and staff. Every day they serve the church and our community with love and grace.
This summer I was able to attend a few of the weekly staff meetings, and this week the clergy and staff went over the calendar for the next few months. We have a lot planned, and a lot of planning to do.
That got me thinking about stewardship. I often think of “stewardship” in terms of monetary pledges and offerings. But stewardship also involves the giving of our time and talent to God in gratitude for the gifts with which we have been bestowed.
As we approach the end of summer, let’s each consider how else we may contribute our time and talents to further the mission and ministries of St. Cross, and provide support to our clergy and staff. Serving coffee as part of the Coffee Crew, teaching Sunday School, organizing parking lot fundraisers, ushering during services, singing or ringing in our chancel and bell choirs, setting and cleaning up after receptions in the Parish Hall, knitting prayer shawls, and stuffing envelopes for the stewardship campaign are just some of the many ways we can do so. If you’re interested in being a part of these or other programs and ministries, please don’t hesitate to ask one of the clergy or me how you can be involved.
Finally, please keep those affected by the fires in Maui in your prayers, especially the families of those who have died or been injured. From the Book of Common Prayer: O merciful Father, who hast taught us in thy holy Word that thou dost not willingly afflict or grieve the children of men: Look with pity upon the sorrows of thy servant for whom our prayers are offered. Remember them, O Lord, in mercy, nourish their soul with patience, comfort them with a sense of thy goodness, lift up thy countenance upon them, and give them peace; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
Peace,
Jack Tedford
Senior Warden
