St. Paul's Stewardship Reflections 2007
- What does God want me to do?
- Who do I know that practices stewardship?
- Why do others make stewardship a part of their lives?
- Who and what have influenced me in my stewardship?
- How do the people of St. Paul’s practice stewardship?
St. Pauls Stewardship Reflections '2007' is a collection of the reflections from the parishioners of St. Pauls who want
to share their thoughts on stewardship and why it is part of their lives. As you read these you will be struck by the diversity that is
embraced by God’s love at St. Pauls.
The booklet is structured such that there is a reflection for each day during our Stewardship Program - November 4 to
November 30. Each reflection also has a scripture passage chosen to accompany the reflection. The reading of the reflection and scripture
each morning will help to direct your spiritual and stewardship thoughts during that day.
On November 25 we celebrate Stewardship Sunday and will pledge our time and money to Christ’s ministry in 2008. We
celebrate each and every pledge as a response to God’s love for each of us. We give thanks to God for the witness of each and every offering.
Stewardship changes lives and it starts with your own.
Drew Brazier
St. Paul’s Stewardship Chair
- November 4th by Molly Lambrick
- November 5th by Rosemary Carter
- November 6th by Anne Gauvreau
- November 7th by Bruce Devitt
- November 10th by Georgina Tikk
- November 11th by Barry Scott
- November 12th by Peter Gibson
- November 13th by Betty Goodwin
- November 14th by Margaret Andersen
- November 16th by Drew Brazier
- November 17th by Doug Henderson
- November 19th by Enid Brazier
- November 20th by Beth Jasper
- November 21st by Rosemary Smith
- November 22nd by Sue Williams
- November 23rd by Andrew Gates
- November 24th by Betty Ann Townsend
- November 25th by Lorraine Gates
- November 27th by David Buckman
- November 28th by Michael Wainwright
- November 29th by Myrna Bennett
- November 30th by Miriam Hughes
I’m not sure what I should write about stewardship. Perhaps, I should reminisce a little and tell how parishioners
reached out, through the years, to help others in the parish and community.
I recall, when I was a young girl, belonging to St. Paul’s Junior WA sewing and knitting to make articles for
missionaries.
As a teenager in the AYPA, under the guidance of Rev. Bischlager, along with the choir and other church members of St.
Paul’s, going out carol singing outside in the community, accompanied by music from the little organ (which I understand is now in the little
Chapel) played by Peggy White. We would then be invited to a pre-arranged home for refreshments.
Another Peggy – Peggy McDonald looked after the Sunday School, and I am sure contributed to the spiritual understanding
of the children. They were both very dedicated young women.
My brother Thomas Tams was also a member of the choir and of the Boy Scouts at St. Paul’s and later became Scout Master
at St. Saviour’s Church.
There was also a group of men who transported people from Matson Lodge and others to the 10 30 a.m. service.
My husband, Arthur Lambrick was also Envelope Secretary for 5 to 6 years.
The Ladies’ Guild of St. Paul’s organized and served lunches for 10 months of each year, for over 30 years, to members of St. Paul’s and the
community. Many people looked forward to these gatherings regularly, the Guild ladies enjoyed doing it and St. Paul’s benefited financially.
The pies were good too!!
I remember how helpful Rev. Ken Collison was to me and my family when my brother Arthur Tams fell while helping to repair the stained glass
windows on the south side of the church.
I have much to be thankful for with the spiritual help, the wonderful people I have met at St. Paul’s, and friendships I have made, and trust
others will be blessed in the same way.
I think Hymn 485 “Breathe on me breath of God” is also helpful.
Thanks be to God, Molly Lambrick
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When I was asked to write this reflection on stewardship I was not sure where to start.
The dictionary states – steward – a person entrusted with management of another’s property.
We on this earth are all stewards of the wonders God created. Here at St. Paul’s, we can practice stewardship in many ways.
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God’s gifts to us are boundless and we, as the recipients of these wonderous gifts must reflect on how we can thank God, Each of us must
decide what we can give both by way of money and time. Time is sometimes just as important as what we put on the collection plate.
I have now been a Parishioner of St. Paul’s Church for four years and have found it a most welcoming and spiritual Church to attend. There is
a sense of serving God and of living as God would want us to.
In giving to St. Paul’s or time and money it means sharing with others in this parish and the community as a whole. It means saying I care
about the future of this Parish. It means St. Paul’s parish is worth supporting to the best of our abilities.
To return God’s great gifts in a positive, generous and permanent way is not a decision to be made lightly. It is an obligation which each
one of us has to our church and our God. An obligation which must be met by each of us according to our own conscience.
I believe that: To give is to receive and to share with others is to know joy and peace of mind.
Anne Gauvreau
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I must say at the out set that my professional training as a forester charged with the stewardship of our forest and forest land in this
Province gives me some inkling of the practice of stewardship and the need for sustainable management in the natural world.
Webster's Ninth New Collegiate Dictionary (1986) defines stewardship 'as an individual's responsibility to manage their life and property
with proper regard to the rights of others'.
So let's explore how we as individuals may acquire this responsibility to manage our lives not only to our own benefit but as well as to that
of others.
Most of us wish to live in safety and well being and in peace and harmony with the freedom and resources to enjoy a long happy and purposeful
life. I believe that this is the world that God's Kingdom provides when we let God's presence as lived by Jesus come into our lives.
'For God so loved the world that he gave his only son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life'
John 3-16.
I believe also that most of us have experienced the divine presence of God at some time in our daily lives. And we know in our hearts the
power of his love. So to me the first answer towards being responsible managers of our lives as individuals lies in centering our life in
God's love as shown by Jesus. The bible particularly the New Testament provides many examples of instruction as how to behave as Christian's
and how important it is to be tolerant and considerate of others.
God, therefore, through Jesus incarnate shows us the way to responsibly manage our lives as Christians. Being a Christian is thus to have
Christ's passion centered in the love of God, the well being of the world, us and our love for each other. To us, as humans, love is the
operative word in and to the kingdom of God.
If as individuals and Christians we assume this responsibility to manage our lives and property with proper regard for others, does church
really matter?
The short answer is yes, it does. The role of the church is to and should be a centre for faith, fellowship and prayer. The church has several
purposes chief being that of our own personal transformation to Christ. Then followed by that the greater society in which we live.
Unfortunately as humans we get to squabbling over the minutiae of church life loosing the sense of direction needed to bring God's passion
and guidance that helps us deal with the daily issues of our society and world. The church, our church, needs to be a community that supports
God's passion for the world's well-being; remembers, observes and maintains the teachings of Jesus; assists us as individuals with our
spiritual development and thus serve, as reminder to society, that by putting into practice his teachings we can responsibly manage our lives
and property with proper regard for others. If we accomplish this as individuals in Christ and as a thriving and supported Christian community
we will truly be practicing stewardship.
Bruce Devitt
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When initially asked for my reflections on stewardship I thought this would be a minor chore and a “piece of cake”. Several liters of
coffee, umpteen hours, and three nasty anxiety attacks later… I think I have finally found the cake, and discovered that it is none too sweet.
I have found that this reflection, like a good mirror, has not been kind to me.
To be totally honest ,up until now I have relied on others to do all the thinking about stewardship for me, much like I have allowed others
to take care of the stewardship itself. Until this reflection it never occurred to me just how vital and crucial active stewardship is , both
to the Church and to every Christian’s spiritual growth within the Church.
Stewardship is our physical involvement in our beliefs. Stewardship is the arms, legs, and the voice of the Holy Spirit at work through us.
It is what God wants us to do. It is the measure of our commitment to Christ. In essence it answers the question,”Why am I here?”.
To be a Christian and to not be involved in some form of stewardship is akin to being a musician who shuns his instrument or a swimmer who
avoids the water. It is what we were meant to do while we are here. This is what makes us part of the body of Christ, and personally ,I am
one body part that could use a little exercise.
So what is it that prevents us (okay, me) from being more active in stewardship? Well, it doesn’t help that I’m both cheap and lazy but even
aside from these unenviable “peccadilloes” I confess I’ve suffered from an inexplicable fear of “messing” up. Silly really, isn’t it? I have
denied my God of all of the very little He asks of me out of fear that what I give is not good enough. Would I also deny the thirsty a drink
of water for lack of an ice cube?
I think it might be time for me to change my ways, open my eyes and become a better, more active, steward.
Kenn Munro
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My family has had a long history with St. Paul’s. My parents were married at the Church and I was christened there as well as attending
the elementary school in the hall.
Stewardship for me is having a place for family to come and worship within the community as well as working towards ensuring a similar
opportunity exists for my grandkids and future generations. As good stewards we provide what skills, knowledge, and life experiences we
possess to maintain God’s house and community within. These are all gifts to God whether it be meeting visitors at the front door or
mentoring the next generation.
Being part of the Sunday school, I have watched as kids learn the act of giving through such activities as the shoebox Ministry, raising funds
for World Vision, and helping with coffee hour. I have listened to stories from the bible and how kids relate them to their everyday lives and
appreciated the many talents and life stories our parishioners’ share with the Sunday school. Our kids will be the stewards of the future and
we need to share with them our stories so that they can practice good stewardship in the future.
Monty Locke
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I have been a part of the St. Paul's parish family for 13 years. The parish welcomed our family, providing us with a place to worship and
raise our then young family. It also gave us friendship and caring.
Over the years we have been able to financially support the Church, but more importantly, I feel we have been able to give the gift of our
time. In this busy world, making a time commitment is often harder than putting money in an envelope.
Giving our time has helped us help others. We have seen the good results of spending a few hours, or many hours, with our parish family. The
many projects we participate in teach us patience, organization, sharing, skills and a sense of community.
In giving our time, our family has learned that there is more to just attending Church on Sunday. The gift of time is one that we make as our
commitment to our parish family.
Georgina Tikk
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A short time after moving back to the Victoria area in retirement, after some 37 years, I reflected upon my future spiritual needs and how
I could best serve our Heavenly Father.
My first thought was to my family roots, and in particular the influence my mother had in initiating my journey of religious study and service
to our parish. This included my Baptism and later Sunday School and Confirmation.
Our family’s very active and loyal service to St. Paul’s was initiated in the early 1900’s by my Grandmother, who purposefully guided her
family of six into the Anglican faith and into our parish.
Many of our family group were formally inducted into the faith, were married, and contributed to the well-being of our Church for many
years.
Stewardship was always paramount in my mother’s mind.
Despite experiencing serious health difficulties which regretfully took her life at her prime, she was devoted to our Church and from
comments from parish people who remembered her, she made a very tangible contribution to the Church Guild over a number of years. With the
guidance of my mother, my older brother became involved with the parish some 40+ years ago, and to date continues to provide his almost daily
Stewardship contribution through volunteer labour assistance and regular financial support to the parish. With this history as a part of me,
I felt a sense of loyalty and commitment to St. Paul’s and for the past 7 years I have endeavored through time, ability and funding to carry
on the Stewardship responsibilities initiated by my family.
STEWARDSHIP IS A FAMILY AFFAIR!!!
Barry Scott
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Greetings and child care are important opportunities for stewardship at St. Paul’s.
Welcoming/Greeting is our opportunity to show christ’s love for all. Welcoming must not end at the door of the church but be extended to
guiding the newcomers to a pew, sitting with them, offering help with the books/service, ensuring that their names and phone number are in
the visitor’s book, inviting them to the coffee time and introducing then to the other parishioners. The use of nametags would help newcomers
to learn names and to feel more comfortable. God’s love calls us all to extend the welcoming hand to others.
A few years ago, my wife and I became honourary grandparents to two boys whose father was in the navy. We babysat occasionally when Mum and
Dad wanted to go out and have some time to themselves or when Mum wanted to rest when Dad was away. There is a real need for this care and
this is an opportunity for St. Paul’s to extend love and caring to the forces and their families.
Peter Gibson
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I am not sure that I really understand stewardship, but if it is living and working for the church and the people of the church, I have
been part of it. Not all of my life, but for some years, serving as secretary and in as many other places where I might be of help and I have
been blessed and have enjoyed it all.
I only hope that I have given back to the church and the people as I have received. The Prayer Chain is an important part of daily life along
with the Pastoral Care calling and this has brought me into contact with people who have added to my life as, hopefully we add to theirs.
For me it is an extended family, I can participate in the activities, help where I can, and know there is someone to talk to if I need advise
or help. Anyway if this is Stewardship I’m in.
Betty Goodwin
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Stewardship, for me, is about much more than financial concerns or commitment of time and effort. To me, stewardship is about living out
our Lord’s commandment to “love one another as I have loved you” (John 15: 12). This is the central challenge for all who call themselves
Christian. Striving to live consciously from this place of deep spiritual awareness requires us to become more mindful of the needs of others
and more mindful of their concerns and feelings. This is the heart of what pastoral care ministry is about: the desire to reflect to others
our Lord’s unconditional love. As a caring community we at St. Paul’s are being challenged through our stewardship program not only to
reflect upon how and what we give of ourselves and our assets in order to further the Lord’s work in our parish, but also to reflect upon how
we are being challenged personally to mirror His love to the best of our human ability.
Margaret Andersen
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I sometimes find it hard to express my faith and convictions as I have always been an Anglican. I was born to it and it was just our way
of life, so for many years I just strolled through it without thinking or questioning. This is bad because as a result there is no growth and
to survive we need growth.
To me Stewardship is like an octopus, it has many tentacles supporting the body, each one having a part to play and all working together for
the betterment of the whole.
In the church we have many taking care of the day to day life, working and supporting to keep the faith alive. Everyone needs to be a part of
this – to use there talents where ever they can be most effective. Everyone should be given the chance to take part, no one person should try
to run everything. We should never sit back and let the others do it all – we need to roll up our sleeves and dive in – there IS a
place for us. No matter how small, all contributions are wanted and needed. The only way to have a fresh vital church is to have many bouncing
ideas off one another – talking, thinking and growing and thus improving. Stewardship is so many things – looking after the church – looking
after each other – spreading the good news – involvement in the community – involvement in the country – standing up for the rights of all
people – working for the betterment of the world as a whole – and yes MONEY.
In our church we are blessed to have so many working so hard to keep us going but that can not go on forever as people tire and burn out – we
need new involvement from our members and we need to bring new people into our church to experience the nurturing of a living parish and thus
the love of a glorious Master. This is not only what we should do but what we are compelled to do if we truly wish to be good stewards and
live the Christian life.
Dian Hanna
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“I came that they may have life and have it abundantly” - John 10:10. God calls us all to abundance - the glass is not half full but
overflowing. God gives us what we need and calls us to share with others and not to hoard.
God taught me this lesson many years ago through a Christian named Beth. Beth was a beautiful and talented young woman. She was envied by
many since she was successful at what ever she tried. You have probably known someone in your life that was like her. She had a good job and
a handsome husband. Then one day she was diagnosed with cancer – a lymphoma. These cancers are usually treated successfully and she expected
many good years of life. Unfortunately her cancer did not respond and her life expectancy was perhaps a year or two. Beth could no longer
work due to the illness, her marriage failed under the stress and the steroids and other drugs damaged her beauty.
Many would have responded with anger towards God if all this had happened to them. Beth did not. Beth increasingly turned to God. She spoke
of God’s love for her and what a wonderful gift that love was. She worked in the parish as she was able but all were aware of the toll the
illness was taking on her body. Beth felt inadequate since she had very little money, failing physical strength, and only a little time to
offer to God. What she did have was her love of God and she shared her joy in that love each day.
The time came when Beth was no longer able to come to services. We all missed her cheery disposition and patient manner. She talked only of
life and never of her illness. We all prayed for her and we knew that she was praying for all of us. Her death was a blow since we would all
miss her joy in the Lord and her radiant smile. She was so young and each of us in the same age group had to come to grips with our own
mortality.
Beth decided that her funeral would be a celebration of her life. She adamantly did not want tears but joy. She chose all of the readings,
poetry and hymns. She also wanted a celebration dinner after the funeral in the church hall. Many of her friends and relatives who came to
the service either were not Christians or at least not active. They had a difficult time with talking of Beth’s life and the joy and peace
that she experienced in the Lord.
Following the service according to Beth’s wish we had a celebration dinner. At each setting was a placemat prepared by Beth after she could
no longer get around. Each setting also had place cards and wrapped candies that Beth had prepared.
Beth’s final gift to all of us was that wonderful testimony of the love of God and her joy in Jesus’ promise. John 11:25-26.
I shall carry’s Beth’s gift of faith in my heart always.
Drew Brazier
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I grew up a “stranger in a strange land’ i.e., in an English household, an island in a German-speaking sea ---- Kitchener, Ontario in the
1950’s.
The German speakers were Mennonites and Amish who settled the area first in the very early 1800’s; then came German artisans and tradesmen
fleeing the failed liberal revolutions of 1848 and finally war refugees after 1945.
Being raised in comfortable circumstances my family’s faith was ordinary, understated and complacent.
When I was about eight years old my mother, who suffered almost daily from “mini heart attacks” hired a big, raw-boned Mennonite farm girl
named Mary Baer. Mary’s faith shone bright but unannounced through a somewhat tense, gloomy and acrimonious household. She taught my little
sister and I hymns whilst we did the dishes. She was just a good, decent and very kind person. We sometimes went to stay with her sisters in
a nearby village if my parents were traveling.
By her quiet example she planted a seed that throughout the many spiritual changes in my life, over the space of five decades, blossomed and
I found myself at St. Paul’s.
Thank you Mary, I know you will be singing in Paradise!
Doug Henderson
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“Give to others and God will give to you. Indeed, you will receive a full measure, a generous helping, pouring into your hands — all that
you can hold. The measure you will use for others is the one that God will use for you.”
When I become widowed and time on my hands. I turned to volunteering in many capacities. The most gratifying was working with the homeless
youths at risk on the streets. This was helping me by helping others. By giving unconditional love and preaching without words you may gain
their trust, and hear their story. Rick Sandberg, Chaplain on the streets, was a good mentor and his relationship with the youths is special.
I become passionate and an advocate for this outreach ministry.
Steve, a youth I met early in my days with Streethope, had a sad story, abuse, foster homes and in an out of jail, called me his “Street Mom”.
He is now in his mid twenties working and supporting his common law and child. He is staying clean and out of trouble and still keeps in touch
with me.
I am truly blessed with my work at Streethope, the shoe box and street kids ministry and I am also blessed by watching the outreach ministry
flourish at St. Paul’s.
This is all stewardship, Time, God given talent and financial support, as we dedicated ourselves to the Lord.
Bunny Pool
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Our Sunday School class discussed the parables of the lost sheep and the lost coin. Everyone shared the frustration, agony and fears
experienced through the loss of something important to them.
One child described her fears when she could not find a special little doll as she had searched everywhere for the doll, finally finding her
caught between her bed and the wall. She told everyone of her happiness when the doll was found. An adult told of frequently losing reading
glasses that she now keeps on a cord around her neck. Several children shared accounts of lost pet kittens. Joy was evident when the kittens
were found!
I did not think the children would be able to understand “working for money” as the woman had lost a day’s wages so I asked the children if
they had ever felt tired from working very hard to accomplish something. A girl said she had felt very tired when she had completed the Terry
Fox Run. A boy said he had felt tired when he was searching for his cat. He added that he had not been able to find the missing cat. The
children voiced their feelings of pain for him.
We moved on through the lesson as everyone counted out ninety-nine cotton balls which were to become sheep, after eyes and glue were applied.
The sheep were glued to a poster board. A carefully coloured picture of the shepherd carrying the found sheep back to the flock was added to
the poster.
Later that afternoon at home, five year old Ella, who had been in the class, shared with excitement her picture of the Good Shepherd that she
had coloured. She told her father that they had counted out ninety-nine sheep emphasizing the effort of the task and how the shepherd Jesus
had found the missing one as every sheep was important and Jesus would not be happy until everyone was found.
Sharing the concept of stewardship with young children is a challenge for Sunday School teachers. Each child had lost a precious possession
with a value far beyond money. I rejoiced that day as it was apparent to me that Ella had comprehended the love that Our Lord Jesus Christ
has for each of us.
Enid Brazier
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Over the years I have been a part of stewardship programs. Forty years ago we used to have cottage meetings. Someone would volunteer their
home and act as hostess. We would be given the names of 20 or 30 people to invite to this cottage meeting. Out of this number we would average
10-12 people attending. We would start with prayer; we would have different ones read scripture; we would follow this up with open discussion.
We all have gifts to 'share' or 'donate'. All of us are in a different ‘place’ financially, physically, mentally or whatever. The important
thing is that we share the gifts God has given to us.
Forty years ago I was in a very different position financially than I am now. I gave according to what I had just as I do now. In verse 15 of
the above noted scripture it is written 'The one who had much did not have too much, and the one who had little did not have too little'.
Beth Jasper
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The builder of this house is not the owner, the people who live in it are not the owners, we are all caretakers for those who come after
us.. That is the paraphrased dedication on a home in Switzerland where I worked and lived. The home was built and dedicated in the 1700s.
The first Sunday I showed up at St. Paul’s, Jerry greeted me from his wheelchair, I on my crutches, both having come by HandiDart, we made a
great pair. He didn’t have much money and as he died before the ramp was built, he couldn’t come in for coffee. Our little chats before the
service, and outside the hall was where his Christian Spirit shone through. Some didn’t take the time to see it though.
I have been to a lot of church services in my travels. The basics are all the same even if I couldn’t understand the language, the spiritual
nourishment was there, at least for the short term depending on how long I was in a place, and how welcoming the people were. Right from that
first day I knew this is the place where I belonged because of the warm welcome I received from the congregation. That love spread forth from
God through Jesus’ to us. I’m trying to make St. Paul’s a place where others feel they belong.
Rosemary Smith
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Stew-ard-ship (stōō΄ərd∙ship) n. 2. The employment of one’s time, talents and possessions
This is the definitions which appears in the Funk & Wagnall Dictionary (Canadian Edition). The word does not appear in either the Oxford or
Cassells dictionaries (both at least 50 years old). Is it just a new word for something we have been doing since time began or have we just
become more aware of the value of time and talent. About 20 years ago of years ago a number of charitable organizations petitioned the
federal Government to give a tax break for volunteer hours. It was rejected, not because volunteers were not considered important, but
because the government could not afford it, there were too many volunteer hours being reported and it would be too expensive.
At other churches I have attended Stewardship meant only money. Not that your time and talents were not used, and sometimes appreciated, it
just wasn’t felt this was part of Stewardship. We have always used time and talent but it was usually considered ‘just helping out’ or ‘I do
what I can’ there was no value attached.. With the new technology we have learned that working is no longer an 8 (or 10) hour day, we are
available 24/7 so what ‘free time’ we can manoeuvre is, indeed, very valuable.
Our purses may be tapped out but can you smile at a visitor and invite them for coffee after the service, volunteer for coffee hour, greet,
help out at a social function, make something for the Bazaar? This is a large part of Stewardship and the Oxford dictionary is missing
something. We all have something to give.
The Church is frequently accused of: “Always having its hand out” just remember that an outstretched hand is also a helping hand. Who knows
when they might be in need of that hand.
Luke 8:38 'Give and it shall be given unto you..'
Sue Williams
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A Steward manages something on behalf of an owner. That something, when one is thinking of what God gives us, that something includes
everything from soup to nuts. Our life, the air we breath, the food we eat, the house we live in, the car we drive, the movies we see, the
books we read, how we treat our neighbour, how we treat our enemy. It is more than just a matter of money, time and talent. And we manage
those things on behalf of, we are not the owner, traditionally, the steward owned nothing, many were slaves. Everything is done to the glory
of God. Biblically, the one who was not a steward was an hireling. Hirelings do everything for their own benefit, there is no loyalty to
the owner other than receiving a wage. A hireling works for what they can get out of it.
I was appointed to St. Paul’s to be your steward. My responsibility is to God, the Bishop and to those I serve. At times that order gets
rearranged. The only time in my ministry I got into trouble was when I forgot that, and, in effect, became an hireling. To mix metaphors, I
was given many talents at my appointment, and I will one day be called to account for how I have invested and used those.
My marching orders were given at my induction, the form used was modern, and is not in the Book of Alternative Services, but the Prayer Book
form is quite adequate. I read it occasionally, so should you, it’s on page 668. It’s always a good idea to check one’s mandate. The key
phrase the Prayer Book uses is “Cure of Souls”. What does that mean? I think it has to do with preparing the soil so that your Souls can
grow. It means challenging, confirming and modeling ways where each of us can learn to express and grow the faith of our Baptism. There is an
element of risk, the growth process isn’t always painless, there are no instant saints. I know, though, God does expect an increase.
So how am I doing? Fair question! If someone is not challenged, I’m probably not doing my job, but then I really won’t have an answer to my
question until the owner, God, gives his verdict..
Andrew Gates
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Stewardship – what is means to me.
My first reaction was BLANK – it meant nothing to me. I really didn’t know the meaning of the word, let alone how I was to relate to
stewardship. Oh yes, I’d heard of stewards in a union, but that was about the extent of my “knowledge”.
I set about doing some research, books, internet and talking to people. I am not an expert now but I do think I have a better understanding
of how I relate to stewardship at St. Paul’s.
To me, stewardship equates to participation in activities to meet the needs of the parish. You begin to feel a part of the parish, you feel
you have a stake in the activities therefore you want to take part even more.
How do you do this, you ask? Using the things God has blessed you with – money (every penny counts), time (every given minute counts)and your
talents (be it gardening, making tea, or greeting people at the door).
God, I’m sure, doesn’t mind if we start out with baby steps. He’ll be there to guide and help lengthen our stride along the way, thus enriching
the individual and the parish. I started my stewardship with very small steps. I made a few items for the Holly Bazaar, then increased my
weekly giving by a toonie, and I joined a ministry. Now my step has lengthened. I’m involved with the Holly Bazaar, a member of the Outreach
Ministry, Flower Guild and Parish Council. The more I give of myself, the more fulfilled I feel, and the more the parish benefits.
So now, if stewardship is mentioned, I think how can I participate so the parish reaps the benefits, not with money or time or talent, but
all three.
Betty Ann Townsend
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We have an extravagantly generous God, who has showered us with many gifts. Our stewardship of all these gifts involves personal
initiative and active risk taking. Stewardship rooted in God’s demands and promises calls for daily ethical decisions and deeds – personal
and social. Not an easy task on ones own.
Through the last few years at St. Paul’s there have been many issues that have asked us to reassess how we look at our own parish and our
wider church and world. God has given us here people with the gifts we need to lead us forward. I know I have been challenged by the actions
and witness of others to rethink my own response to faith questions, to give generously of the gifts I have been given to meet the needs of
my neighbour, to be bolder in personal evangelism.
So thanks to God for our faith community, where we can support each other in discerning our callings and affirming each others gifts. Where
through prayer and worship, ministry and action we are able to encourage each other to use all we have been given for the increase of God’s
Kingdom.
Lorraine Gates
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A while ago, when I moved into the downtown area, I set about looking for a church – one like the one I had left – small, white, old and
still occasionally using the “Old Book”. My search was over when I came to St. Paul’s and was greeted with such warmth and friendliness.
Serving coffee, baking cookies and knitting have kept me busy. They are not tasks – they are pleasures!
I am confident that St. Paul’s will overcome all obstacles – there is too much faith, love and determination going on here!
Diana Ker
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As your Treasurer, you might expect me to talk just about money! Let me surprise you!
The first thing that comes to mind when I think of Stewardship is in fact ecology. I was a professional tree-hugger in the mid-90’s, when I
got paid to manage the Ontario “Green Community” in London, similar to Victoria City Green. Prior to that, I volunteered on the Environment
Committee at St. Paul’s Cathedral, London (Ont!).
I’ve been “green” since my childhood, growing up in London, England in the era of, “Waste not, want not”. Living in a Christian household (I
started in the local church choir at age 6), such exhortations seemed sensible and natural at the time.
Matthew 25: 14-30 – the Parable of the Talents - comes to mind here….
Working for C-I-L, Canada’s largest Chemical company, from 1969-89, I recognized this oft-derided industry is a great force for stewardship –
in several ways. The “waste stream” from most processes could be recycled into profitable outlets. “One man’s waste stream is another’s raw
material”. The profit motive is not in itself bad, as the above Parable shows. Human safety was also a real corporate concern. C-I-L’s main
product was industrial explosives – this focuses safety behaviour immensely!
So with my background, I’m very happy with many things I see in St. Paul’s stewardship. For example, our maintenance team is doing a great
job conserving our energy (and money) by improving all our facilities. The last Vestry agreed to “recycle” an increasing percentage of our
annual bazaar proceeds to “Outreach”, rather than just paying the bills.
As we develop our 2008 Budget, we clearly distinguish between the “Operating Budget”, which keeps St. Paul’s in business, and what we plan
to raise and spend on St. Paul’s real missions (including Outreach, Christian Education, Evangelism, etc.).
This is an exciting time to be involved with St. Paul’s finances – I feel very privileged to be a part of the team trying to come to grips
with all this!
David Buckman
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I was downtown and I was feeling blah. I had just come back from dropping off some work at the Canadian Diabetes Association office on
Viewfield, and I was in the Bay Centre to do some banking. I suffer from chronic fatigue, a result of the chemo-therapy I received to treat
the cancer that I had (which, thank God, is now in remission). So the trip by bus out to Esquimalt: the walk to my local bus stop, the wait,
the ride, the walk from the Esquimalt bus stop to the CDA office and back again, the wait, the ride home – exhausts me; and on top of that I
had added two errands downtown. So there I was, feeling blah.
I finished my banking at the ATM in the mall, took a deep breath and prepared to make one more stop at Monks for some pens. That's when I saw
them; two little girls, no more than three years old, lagging behind their mums, who were out shopping together. One little girl was
laboriously taking off her tiny mitts to hold the hand of her friend. At three that takes some time. Her friend waited patiently. Finally,
mitts off and hanging by their strings, the second little girl clutched the hand of her friend – and they were off. …and the look of pure,
unmitigated joy on the face of the first little girl was staggering. It filled me with such happiness, such hope – it brightened the world so
intensely that all thought of myself vanished.
To protect that little girl’s happiness, and the happiness of all little children, what wouldn’t I do? Give my life? In a heartbeat. But I
haven’t been called to do that. I’ve been called to fight the long fight against the materialism of this world, and the evil that spawns it.
I am often discouraged. I am frequently depressed by the evil and the materialism of this world. I am often just physically beat. Nevertheless,
all I have to do to pick myself up, to put it all into perspective, to remind myself why I must continue the battle, why God’s will
must be done on earth as it is in heaven – is to remember the look on that little girl’s face. It’s the face of the world to come, the
kingdom to come. Amen.
Michael Wainwright
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I think each and every parishioner may think of Stewardship from a different perspective. For myself, it began many years ago when I first
found myself alone. Who did I turn to first but the Church. They didn’t care about my background or how much money I had but welcomed me as a
person. The first “job” I got involved with was the Sunday School. What a lot of preparation that was, but so rewarding.
Today my former pupils are grown and have lives of their own. But they are all so fondly remembered. Through the years I was involved in
other groups which I equally enjoyed. There is always something for one to do at Church!!!
As it happens, most of my personal friends do not attend any Church. They sometimes give me an affectionate ribbing about going to Church all
the time but, I sincerely feel I have made an effect on their lives. If all I do is to bring them to God in some way, I feel that I have
accomplished something. One of my sons is now a very avid Christian, along with his wife and four children. My other son, although he does
not attend a Church, is a very honest and forthright man.
I feel blessed to know our Lord
Myrna Bennett
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In discussion of your Stewardship program, we are asked to write our reflections for all of us to meditate upon.
In a recent issue of 'The Anchor Chain', I read where Andrew Gates our Rector said 'Nothing pleases me more than to hear from a visitor, that
whereas they don't feel they belong anywhere, they begin to feel at home in St.Paul's'. I thought 'Ahhhhh.....that pretty well sums up how
Bill & I have felt since attending St.Paul's. We've been back home in Victoria for 20 years & although we live almost within walking distance
of two Anglican churches, which we went to from time to time, it was not until we felt settled into St.Paul's that we felt content, happy &
connected to the Church.
For that, we thank you
Miriam Hughes
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Copyright © 2007 [St. Paul's Esquimalt]. All rights reserved. Revised: November 21, 2007 . |