Stewardship 2010 - Reach Out

As we have been hearing over the past few weeks, this modified version of Psalm 118:24 is the stewardship theme that we at St. John’s have chosen to guide us this fall, to write upon our hearts like a catchy tune, to rally us together in gladness and prepare us for faithful pledging for the year to come.

This verse reminds us that each day is a gift from God and that each day we make choices about how we will live, based on that knowledge. As Christians we are called to recognize and appreciate joy in our lives, to grow (in faith and other ways), to reach out to others, and to be glad in the blessings that have been bestowed upon us.

Asked to ponder REACH OUT, one St. John’s member shared these thoughts:

Reach out. Reach out. … I had heard these two words all of my adult life and had not given much thought to what they mean until I was asked to write this short story. …

When I am walking at the mall, I smile as strangers pass me by, and say hello or good morning. When a mother with a baby stroller is entering and has trouble getting through the doors, and I assist her, she thanks me for reaching out to her. There are many ways we all reach out, each and every day, but do not think anything of it, for as Christians, it is our second nature to reach out to all in need.

Jesus reached out to us in a very profound way when he was on the cross and died for our sins. And we have many ways to reach out in our church. We can give our time, talents, and at this time of year, our monetary gifts that God first gives us through his blessings.

So when it comes to sharing God’s blessings for the OUT REACH of our church, give it heartfelt prayer and ask yourself, “What does reach out / out reach mean to me?” God reaches out to us every day, and we are only able to give back a small token of His love and blessings. May each one of us Reach Out.

Rejoice. Grow. Reach out. Be glad. Consider these themes in your life over the coming weeks and share your stories in this day, the day that the Lord has made. What’s YOUR story?