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Stewardship Information
Stewardship Committee: Laura Santos, Chairperson, Maria Schoen, Judy Gerren, Freddie Black, Beth Sears, Jenny Urban, Jeanne Whittle, Dell Tamblyn, Rev. Bill Jenkins, and Rev. Kay Alewine.
Important Dates:
September 28 – October 25 Stewardship Campaign
“Vote for Jesus, Vote Early, Vote Often”
October 17 – 19 Lakeview Service Project (Registration has been
extended to October 12.
October 26 Commitment Sunday
Good $ense Budget Course
The Good $ense Budget Course will be offered again beginning Wednesday, September 10 as a part of the TGIW program. The class will meet for 10 weeks from 6:45 P.M. until 7:45 P.M. with Judy Gerren and Stuart Ross serving as co-facilitators. The only charge is $5.00 for the Participant’s Guide. The course was developed by Dick Towner and John Tofilon with contributions from the Good $ense Ministry Team of Willow Creek Community Church in Barrington, Illinois, and is being used in churches throughout the United States. This will be the third time that we have offered it, and we have good news. The upcoming session will not be limited to church members. It will be open to our community as well. So, spread the word and come prepared to learn the biblical financial principles that will transform your finances and your life.
Lakeview Service Project
Use your talent at Lakeview Methodist Conference Camp grounds! The Shepherds Sunday School Class needs your help during the weekend of October 17 – 19. That is the time that they have set aside to re-build one of the trails around the lake. It is going to be a family weekend of work, spiritual meditation, and fun. You won’t want to miss this opportunity. Sign ups will begin September 7 and continue through September 28. The cost for the entire weekend is $27.75 per person (same for adults and children). Registration forms will be available outside Dell’s office near the Lock Box.
Monthly Devotion
October, 2008
Guardians of the Faith
II Corinthians 4:1-11
In ancient times, guards were posted on the ramparts of great cities to survey the landscape for unfriendly intruders and pass the word of danger to those in authority. Constant steps, watchful eyes, and obedient voices were required for those entrusted with the lives of walled city inhabitants. It was a mundane and boring job but one of great consequence. The watchman held the power of life and death in his hands.
The guardian image is a rich part of biblical literature. Habakkuk used it in his prophetic vision. (Habakkuk 2:2) “I will stand my watch and set myself on the rampart and watch to see what He will say to me…” Isaiah used it to comfort God’s people. (Isaiah 62:6) “I have set watchmen on your walls, O Jerusalem. They shall never hold their peace day or night…”
In the New Testament, Paul used the image to instruct young timothy. Realizing his time was short, Paul’s plea was passionate. I can almost see the old apostle sitting in his windowless room squinting down at a piece of parchment with quill in hand. He’s dressed in ragged, dirty robes. His hair is disheveled. His cell is cramped. But his zeal for Christ is boundless. Knowing his martyrdom is eminent, he instructs Timothy to “Guard what was committed to your trust…” (I Timothy 6:20) His words flow as he gives his final valedictory: “I have fought a good fight. I have finished the course. I have kept the faith.” (II timothy 4:7) the intent of his message is clear as he passes the torch to his son in the faith.
The echo of his final words still rings in our sanctuaries. Centuries of faithful witnesses have come and gone. Today the torch of the Gospel has been passed to you and me. We are the guardians of the Word. We are the watchmen on the ramparts of the world. We hold the keys of eternal life or death. No amount of money, no loan of talent, no sacrifice of time is too great to preserve what Paul referred to as treasure in earthen vessels. That’s why every fall at LCUMC we launch a stewardship campaign to protect and strengthen the walls of the kingdom. Why not bring your talents, time and tithes and ask the Master to use your constant steps, watchful eyes and obedient voices to guard what was committed to your trust?
Prayer: “Lord Jesus, enable me to guard what has been entrusted to me that others may know what a wonderful treasure You are. Amen”
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