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STEWARDSHIP

Dear Fellow Christian;

            The Westminster Catechism, dear to many Presbyterians, asks what is the chief end of our lives.  We want to ask, what is the chief end of Christian stewardship? We are in uncertain economic times, and it seems that most of us would be happy just to stay even in our personal finances. Many of us have become very timid in our investments. But is that enough for what we need to accomplish as Christian stewards?  Jesus talks about stewardship several times.  In Matthew Chapter 25, beginning at verse 1, he tells the parable of the man who entrusted various sums to his servants while he was traveling.  Upon his return, he inquired about what had resulted from each servant’s stewardship of his money.  To those servants who did something with their portion, the master offers praise:  “Well done good and faithful servant”.  To those who only returned what was entrusted he offers a severe rebuff. 

            At St. Andrews, we have been entrusted with a serious mission.  This end of  Christian stewardship involves putting what is entrusted to us to work, to make it grow and prosper.  Some twenty-one years ago, the original sixty-two members became the first stewards of this mutual trust. Their efforts have yielded over two hundred members, and we have been through five capital building campaigns.  There are now nine ministries/mission areas in which members can and do devote their time and talents, both for tasks inside the church and in the whole world.  There is a new Family Ministry program which is involving young and old(er) members, with three generations represented. This year Vacation Bible School reached over eighty children. We are making good Christians. Paul wrote to the Ephesians that when we take Christ as the foundation we can build a holy temple, in which “you also are being built together for a dwelling place of God.”  For pictures of past and present growth, accomplishments and discipleship, click here.

            Our great commission from Christ is “to make disciples of all nations”, and is to this end that we need to put our stewardship to work.  We need to attract the un-churched, to reach more young families, and to provide a beacon for the Northern Neck community.  This is why we seek your financial support.  Please prayerfully consider your pledge for 2010, and complete the enclosed pledge card and return it to the church as soon as possible.  Pledge Sunday is November 8, 2009.  Then we can continue to be “good and faithful servants” and make our lamps burn even brighter.

Yours in Christ