What is stewardship? Webster’s defines a steward as follows: 1) one employed in a large household or estate to manage domestic concerns 2) a fiscal agent. It also defines stewardship as: the office, duties, and obligations of a steward 2) the individuals responsibility to manage his life and property with proper regard to the rights of others. These two terms defined are truly something to think about. Where do each of us stand in reviewing the secular definitions of steward and stewardship?

The scriptures have a stronger view of stewardship in that it views good stewardship as an absolute obligation for each believer and person. The scriptures also take managing a good deal further in that its definition of true giving is the tithe. As Anglicans we sometimes rail at the use of the term tithe especially when it gets right down to the “me” in each individual and family. The biblical 10% at times appears to be a stretch for your budget, especially if you are not in that kind if giving frame of mind. Let me assure you that when the “tithe” frame of mind comes to you individually, you will see clearly where God more than abundantly provides for each of us and our needs.

As we turn to needs, we need to think about the stewardship of the Church itself. Several years ago we as a parish discontinued our Outreach programs, we also stopped giving to the support of the larger church. At that time we could not afford to do any of these things. Now that we are at a new start in the life of our church, we need to also consider our call as a parish to also be stewards of what we receive.

We also need to consider that it has been a long time since we thanked our faithful staff in the form of salary increases as well. They have not come forward and asked for consideration even though I am sure they would like to.

At some point in the future we, St. Andrew’s Anglican Church, would probably like to have our own building. We need to create a fund to place monies for this purpose. As we once again grow, we will need our own space to worship and educate our people.

All of these things merit your prayers and consideration as we move forward in this new place and direction. We have been through the time of trial and we now have to re-establish ourselves as stewards of Gods wealth and goodness to each of us.

The challenge of the stewardship of our monies lies before us to do God’s will and respond to that call. We need to look deep within ourselves to hear what God is saying to each of us regarding our individual stewardship for this coming year.

Faithfully,

Bill Ritter Stewardship and Finance Committee Chair