Volume
10 Week 38 September 19, 2004
A
Time of Growing, Uniting, Serving!
Of
Stewardship? How About, "I Will!"
The 33 Days of Stewardship begin next Wednesday, September 22. Who will be participating?
The Zimmermans
At our house, we've got a college student, a high school senior and two full time employees so the daily schedule can be pretty wacky. We're going to participate in the 33 Days of Stewardship. We'll find a way. Whenever we can, we'll make a special effort to sit together, the four of us, and read the chapter and work through the discovery guide. On days when it just doesn't work, we'll gather however many we can, and hold the others accountable to at least do the reading.
I'm looking forward to the family discussions. My boys have some tremendous insights into the world around them and what it's like to live as an extraordinary servant of Jesus these days. I've read though all the materials myself, but I'm looking forward to a Zimmerman journey through the 33 Days book.
I expect we might miss a day or two along the way. It happens. But we're committed to giving it our best effort.
Personally, I didn't read anything in the book in my first two readings that I didn't already know, but I'm going through again with my family for a third time anyway. The book teaches lessons from the Bible that I've taught myself, but it does it so much better! I know I will learn more and more, and I look forward to the changes God will make in my daily discipleship. We're in. Who will join us?
Leadership!
The leaders of our congregation make decisions about how others ought to behave when they offer ministries of education, worship, evangelism, stewardship, service, and fellowship. The leaders of our congregation make decisions about other people's money when they spend for our mission purposes. I'm proud of the way they take these responsibilities seriously. We are blessed with godly women and men in leadership who give of their own time and talents in service to the Lord's kingdom.
I know our leaders will participate fully, because those who've been given such great trust are honor bound to lead the way in spiritual growth. The 33 Days is a way for our leaders to glorify God through their example of humble, servant leadership. Am I right? I wouldn't expect anything less of those who assume responsibility for leadership in the Lord's church, and you shouldn't either.
New Members!
In recent years, we've had as many as two or even three new member classes at Mount Calvary. Welcome! One of the ways our new members will join in with the Mount Calvary family is to participate in this same growth experience as our long time members. Our newest members are anxious to be a part of the family. Being of one heart and mind means studying God's word together. It is the common faith and common zeal we have for the Lord's work that unites us as one.
Someone once said that when the whole church decides to be a Great Commission church, disagreements will cease. When factions and groups argue for their own agendas, churches split. When the only concern is faithfulness to God's calling, we only have details to debate!
Our church is blessed with great unity because we have avoided the kinds of factions that splinter and divide. I'm praying that the 33 Days will help unify us even more, long timers and mew members alike, around the mission of sharing the saving love of Christ.
New members seek to know their role in the fellowship of the church. The 33 Days experience will help do just that. I think it will be a big step for our new members as they journey toward full participation and leadership in our Lord's work here at Mount Calvary. So who else will participate?
"Me!"
I hope your answer is, "I will!"
When you became a member of this Christian family, whether last year or decades ago at your confirmation, you made a solemn promise before God to live your life to his glory by your faithful participation, support and service to your church. Different ceremonies for receiving members use different words, but these days I use a form that asks in part,
"Do you sincerely intend to worship God in his house frequently, and to partake of the Lord's Supper often?"
"Do you plan to support the Lord's Church with your love and prayers, with regular sacrificial offerings, and with your God-given time and talents?"
And, "Do you resolve to dedicate your life to the service of our Lord and to participate fully in the life and work of His Church?"
I know that your serious intention made on the day you joined this church still holds. The 33 Days is going to be great time of refreshment and renewal for us!
Who Won't
Participate?
The 33 Days is about learning to live the life of a steward, an extraordinary servant. Some among us are limited in their ability to serve, and instead must be served. I fully understand why some of our members, dealing with many heavy burdens, won't be involved. Pray that their brothers and sisters in Christ will grow in faith, love and service to them. They represent Jesus among us. It is for their sake that we must grow!
Some will forget. "Oops! I was going to do that, but I forgot." Don't forget. Get your materials this weekend, or call the church office and we'll get them to you. And get a partner for the 33 Days so you can remind each other to do the readings, the reflection and come to Bible study on Sundays.
Some will say, "No, thank you." You are in r prayers so, for we believe that Christ has sent every member here for each other. The body of Christ needs the fruitful participation of every part.
The 33 Days of
Stewardship!
How does it work? It's very simple.
First, pray for the blessing of God upon our congregational faith journey. Any results from the time we spend in devotion will be because of God's work in us.
Then each day, beginning on Wednesday the 22nd, set aside a few minutes to read a chapter from the book, The 33 Laws of Stewardship, and to work through the reflective study in the Discovery Guide. Then consider how you might apply the response. The daily journey includes the three R's, read, reflect, respond. Most will find the process easy to complete in 10-15 minutes.
Finally join us for worship and Bible study. During he 9:15 hour, you'll have a chance to visit with others in the journey about things you're learning along the way.
I'm very excited about the possibilities of our study together. We'll have a chance to learn about financial support of the Lord's work, as in most all stewardship efforts, but most of all, we'll be learning as a congregation what God has in mind when he calls us to be his extraordinary servants.
Join us in this step on our lifelong journey of living for Jesus. I'll look forward to seeing you along the way!