Stewardship

Pr. Chris asked me to write a paragraph or two on stewardship for this newsletter. Oh, my! Have you ever known me to confine myself to a paragraph or two in print or conversation? The theme, I’m told, is sacrifice, a word that strikes nearly as much terror into the hearts of modern Christians as its synonym, “give,” a four-letter word that is never spoken in polite company.

We understand the concept of “no pain no gain,” but our desire always is to reduce the first while maximizing the latter, thus pew cushions, convenient parking, casual dress, familiar hymns, and 7 minute sermons (I prefer all of these, so there you have it!), and “I’m sorry I didn’t come to church last Sunday, but I’m so busy/tired/upset I knew I wouldn’t get anything out of it.”

Another synonym for sacrifice is “surrender.” When I think back on our faith formation as a couple, nothing has brought Pam and me closer to God than pledging. It’s one thing to say you trust God but quite another to promise a substantial part of your income to God’s work in the world. We surrender a portion of the gifts we’re to be given, trusting that God will provide for our needs in the upcoming year. God’s faithfulness has grown our faith every year for the 25 years we’ve been married.

This year, let’s keep on giving the gift that keeps on giving: faithful and faithful-filled stewardship. I miss you all, even here among God’s green hills and forests. For 15 years, as your pastor, I found myself immersed in love, kindness, humor, joy, and a profound appreciation for your deep, abiding, spirit-filled generosity.

– Pastor Bob Cochran