Stewardship-Giving of Time, Talent & Treasure

Stewardship

Friends in Christ,

As we have want to do, this year we again take on a difficult and timely topic with the hope of making a collective resolution in the New Year to improve. This year we are focusing on anxiety. Taking a hard look at what makes us anxious and how we might overcome our individual and collective fears isn’t pleasant, but we will be the better for it.

Each January we also look at stewardship, and while for some this can be a challenge, we are fulfilled when we intentionally choose to be good stewards.

I believe there is a direct connection between fear and our finances. Even more, our denial of this connection is a big problem for us. Sheridan approaches stewardship much less about “raising funds” and more about helping members reflect on being healthy regarding the financial aspects of life. Getting a handle on our income and what we spend on things in our life is a challenge. The next-level work, however, is to understand where our blessings come from and seek to live beyond our own consumerism to actually make a positive difference in the world! Our stewardship conversation always progresses beyond finances, and connects our God-given gifts and the management of our calendars. Stewarding our time, talent and treasure takes courage and a commitment to conquering our fears.

As your pastor, what I ask of you in is that you be intentional. I ask that you reflect on your finances in this new year. What do you have to give? What keeps you from giving? Financial pressure is greater than we have seen in the last decade. This means our anxiety is also higher. Will you intentionally seek to conquer your anxiety and consider the sharing of your time, talent and especially your treasure? Hear me clearly, I’m less interested in your giving, and more interested in the process of spiritual reflection and addressing your hidden anxiety.

Enclosed is our Ministry Opportunity Sheet, pledge card, electronic giving form and answers to some “frequently asked questions” on the back of this sheet. I ask that you be intentional, prayerful and thorough. It is my hope that each person completes this process.

Indeed, these are anxious days. As we work towards managing our emotions in the context of these times, I pray that you will feel better about yourself because of your Sheridan church family. As I often say, “we are far better together than we ever are alone.” Thanks for making Sheridan an amazing community of faith and faithfulness.

Peace,
Greg Bouvier
Senior Pastor

Thank you for your intentional commitment to generosity and to the ministry of our church family.

We give of our treasure. The size of our gifts are not the issue, but rather the sacrifice behind them that allows God to enter in.