Creator Connection October 2021

Fellowship
Thoughts on
A Request of Prayerful Consideration for Stewardship
Stewardship seems to be
almost as uncomfortable to
discuss as sex! And you can be
sure no one wants to be on the
Stewardship Committee. Why
you ask? Good question, and
one that most prefer to avoid
answering. It seems when
Stewardship is mentioned, many
presume it’s only about money.
A comment shared in many
churches is “every time I turn
around the church is asking for
more money!” Maybe a common
sentiment, but when we look at
this honestly and realistically, is
this really true here?
Creator works very hard
at being transparent about
finances, and the budget is
available for anyone to see.
Often a ministry group will share
during the offering on a Sunday
to both inform the congregation
and witness about the impact
to our church or the community.
Personal stories of faith are
appreciated over the years as
members have described how
their life has been changed by
a mission trip or through their
volunteer experience. Generally,
when there is a request for more
8
money to meet the budget, it is
so we can continue our work
helping our neighbors and those
in need.
Truth be told, Stewardship is
about relationship. In our human
relationships we often express
our love and appreciation
with gifts or acts of service. A
thoughtful gesture, a nice card, a
generous birthday gift, or offering
a helping hand are common
ways we demonstrate loving
feelings towards those we are
close to and care about. Would
this not be similar, but even more
so, in the case of our Heavenly
Father? We are stewards of all
that we have received, which are
blessings from God. Showing
appreciation for all God is doing
in our lives, and the blessings
we have seems natural. During
the offering it is mentioned that
Stewardship is an act of worship.
Sometimes the negative
reaction around Stewardship can
stem from feeling overwhelmed
financially. Many have had
quite a difficult time during the
pandemic due to loss of a job,
or other things. Discussion of
Stewardship at Creator is never
intended to pressure, offend, or
stress people out.
One of the challenges during
Covid has been that many who
previously gave regularly to the
church, who have remained
virtual and not yet returned to inperson
worship, are giving less
consistently now. This could be
sort of an out of sight, out of mind
situation, or just simply being out
of the routine. Unfortunately,
it has made a difference and
created a hardship for balancing
the budget, and how much we
can support programs.
Creator is always open to
ideas and suggestions how
best to approach Stewardship.
Whether you think of it as a
negative topic or not, it is not
only a reality, but a privilege to
be stewards of all that we have
and to show our appreciation to
God through our tithes, talents,
and time. Creator is known in
this community for our hearts to
give and serve. Stewardship is
not only about money, but also
the chance to give back and
volunteer which can have as big
of an impact on those we serve
as for ourselves.