Stewardship

This is the time of year where we tend to start reflecting on what has happened, where we are headed, and what we’ve learned along the way. The past few years have been packed with amazing benchmark moments for 1st Pres. God has truly blessed us. Through COVID, pastoral transition and other difficult challenges, our church has been able to grow and thrive! Now we are enjoying new horizons with the visions created during our congregational discernment process, and with Pastor McLane Stone to help guide us on the journey! The future looks bright, indeed.

Matt Broadway

​You don’t have to look too deeply before you see the myriad of ways that our church affects people’s lives in deep and meaningful ways: through the local schools, through non-profits that we have helped to launch or partner with, through everyday relationships our congregational members have with each other and with folks in the community, as well as our own internal ministries. We feed the homeless, help people suffering with addictions, clothe the needy, match needs to resources locally and abroad, comfort those experiencing pain and loss, and we serve as a refuge in a world that feels like it’s raging at times. Most importantly, we show the love of Christ and help lead others to the peace that comes from giving yourself to God.

As your current Stewardship Committee person, I think it’s important to consider how blessed we all are for being part of the Mission of 1st Pres and the work we are doing to share the good news! None of this would be possible without your continued faith and generosity. These are dynamic times, and costs are rising all around us. This is true for 1st Pres as well. Yet, our work continues and grows.

As we come into the season of making our new monetary pledges for the coming year, I’m reminded of 1 Peter 4: 8-11 “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has to serve others faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” This is a great reminder that as Christians, we are called to give freely of our time, talents and treasures. As our pledge cards for 2023 start to make their way out for your consideration, remember to honor where we’ve been and look forward with eager anticipation to where we are going. Collectively, we have defined the next steps in our journey to serve Christ. and I encourage you to continue to support our new shared vision.

There are many, many ways to serve others through 1st Pres. If you are a new member, or someone who hasn’t been active for a while, I would encourage you to participate in a way that uses your Christian gifts. You can join a committee, work on a task force, serve on Session or as a Deacon, or reach out to a mission partner where you can volunteer your time to show God’s love. We are called to join in the “great mission” to serve others and be living examples of His goodness. Think of what a difference we can make in this broken world if we each do just a little bit more!

​In His Name, Matt