STEWARDSHIP
A steward is defined as one who manages another's property or finances; therefore, stewardship is the practice of being a good steward. As Christian Stewards we are called upon to be and do much more. We are called upon to manage our gifts from God to the glory of God.
When we join Highland Valley UMC, we agree to be loyal to the Church and uphold it by our prayers, our presence, our gifts and our service. All four are extremely important in the lives of a Christian Steward and keeping them in proper focus and balance is a necessity for Christian growth. One of the responsibilities of the church is to provide the education and the opportunities for Christian growth. Our responsibility is to first accept the gifts from God in our lives and then to give back to God, through the church, a proportional amount of our talents and resources.
Stewardship is not just a means for the church to raise money. It is a way of life that recognizes that everything we have is God's, and we are simply managing those resources while here on earth.
METHODIST APPROACH TO STEWARDSHIP
"On the first day of every week, each one of you should set aside a sum of money in keeping with his income." I Corinthians 16:2
John Wesley, recognized as the founder of Methodism, summarized his theology of Christian stewardship as "Earn all you can and save all you can, so that you can give all you can." He modeled modest living and sacrificial giving. Wesley encouraged Methodists to work with diligence and discipline, making wise use of the gifts and resources entrusted to them by God. Today, we United Methodists join others to help all of God's children, whenever and wherever we can.
Our commitment to uphold the church by our gifts is a thankful response from the heart for all God has given us.
The reasons to give are many:
• Reflect your gratitude for the many blessings you have been given.
• Show your faith as a priority.
• Focus on others.
• Honor your membership vow to support the church with your prayers, presence, gifts and service.
How can you learn and practice good stewardship?
• Pray about your giving to God's ministries. Ask God how he wants to work through you.
• Model the humility and generosity God calls you to exhibit. Give out of a sense of love, joy, and thanksgiving for all that God has done and will do for you.
• It's a good habit to give a predetermined amount. Take God's portion "off the top" - not from "what's left over." We cannot all give large amounts to the church; but we can give a pretty similar percentage of our income to further God's work. Jesus encouraged giving in proportion to what we have received. Remember the widow's mite (Luke 21:1-5)?
• Give consistently. When you cannot attend church one week, drop off or mail in your offering or consider setting up automatic bank drafts.
• In addition to your financial gifts, give your time and talents to missions and ministries.
• Educate yourself about the ministries of our congregation including the extended ministries supported by conference and general church apportionments.