Stewardship Corner October 2009
Written: 10/23/2009
Weathering a Recession
Val Walker, a presenter at a Stewardship session earlier this year said, “ Just doing pledges once a year is like a farmer just watching soap operas all year, and then suddenly saying, 'Oh, it’s time for the harvest.' No! We haven’t planted; we haven’t nourished the soil and all the rest."
I am sure that this doesn’t represent any of our churches. We have to keep stewardship in focus all year and we have to learn to celebrate the offering. Don’t forget to thank your faithful congregation for their generosity. Every person and every amount counts. Even in tough economic times, people can be extravagantly generous.
The California –Nevada United Methodist Foundation has created a booklet entitled, “Weathering a Recession.” This booklet gives churches 16 ways to shine and be a beacon of hope. One of the suggestions is to “Let human need trump brick and mortar.” This means that some churches may need to change their emphasis from “programs as usual’ to helping people meet some of their basic needs. Now is the time for more food pantries, job search aid, and spiritual formation. Tough times test the spiritual fortitude of each of us.
We are reminded that Paul and Silas were “praying and singing hymns to God and the prisoners were listening to them.” ( Acts 16:25 ) Paul and Silas found a way to have hope and to shine a light for others, even during their struggles. How are we shining a light for others? How are we letting human need trump brick and mortar?
To get a copy of “Weathering a Recession”, click here and you can download a PDF.