“Abundant Life, Joyous Generosity” Stewardship at Westminster Presbyterian Church God’s Resources Managed by God’s People in God’s Way What is stewardship and why do we give to Westminster? Stewardship discussions often focus on budgetary needs. This year we would like to reflect on what it means to be good stewards of God’s resources and Christian ministry: God owns everything. Since God is the creator and sustainer of the universe, everything belongs to him. The sum total of the personal abilities, financial resources, hours and opportunities that make up our lives are God’s gift to us. 1 Chronicles 29:14-18; Psalm 24:1,2; Colossians 1:15-20 God demands responsibility. God has assigned each of us the task of managing the resources we have been given – including time, money, abilities and care of the earth. God will hold each person responsible for the faithfulness of her/his stewardship. Genesis 1:27-30; Luke 16:10; Matthew 25:14-30 Stewardship is worship. Far from being merely an obligation, managing God’s property is an every-minute opportunity to express our thanks for God’s goodness; to affirm our dependence on God in everything; and to return God’s love for us as our expression of our love for God. Leviticus 22:17-22, 29; 1 Corinthians 10:31; 2 Corinthians 9:12 God comes first. God’s priorities define the top priorities in all aspects of life. God rightfully receives the first share of everything we receive, as reflected in the way we organize our time, distribute our money and utilize our abilities. Proverbs 3:9,10; Malachi 3:8-10; Romans 1:3-8 Stewardship is strategic. God calls us to manage his resources faithfully. Not simply giving, stewardship is investing in God’s eternal purposes. Not simply management, stewardship of the earth is fulfilling God’s original creation mandate Genesis 2:15, 19-20; 2 Corinthians 8:1-9; 1 Timothy 6:18,19 Our attitudes matter. God calls us to manage the resources given to us joyfully, sacrificially,and with servant hearts. We are to acknowledge the privilege to be stewards of God’s creation. We enjoy a God-given contentment that God is able to meet our needs and the needs of the Kingdom of God through the work of good stewards. 1 Corinthians 13:3,11, 2 Corinthians 9:6,7; Philippians 4:10-13,19 Stewardship confronts our culture. The Church is called to be the community of those who put their trust in God, indicting the materialism and self-centeredness of our culture. Yet even as we stand apart from our world, we choose to serve the world as trustees of God’s good gifts. Matthew 6:25-33; Luke 12:16-21; James 5:1-6 Our 2019 Stewardship theme celebrates, “Abundant Life, Joyous Generosity.” In appreciation of the life abundant that comes in Christ, you have responded over the years with joyous generosity. We’ve witnessed great acts of caring, wonderful acts of worship, lives changed by experiencing and knowing our gracious Lord and savior. We’ve done it by sharing with the same generosity God has shown all of us. Please join us November 11th for Dedication Sunday, where you will have an opportunity to share your pledge with the regular Sunday collection and we will celebrate our collective giving together. Submit your pledge online or print a pledge card from our website Give page today. Your Budget & Stewardship Team
“Abundant Life, Joyous Generosity”
