On Sunday, November 13th I was invited to share at Christ’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Fall Stewardship Dinner. “Thanksgiving,” was evident in the meal and decorations. The theme or topic for the evening was stewardship: stewardship of life, of finance and of relationship with God and man.
Several things stood out to me as we came into the hall. First: the table with the most toiletries stacked in the center of their table would be the first in line. The Gospel Mission was the recipient of many toothbrushes, combs, shampoos and other miscellaneous items that our guest could use. Second: That in order to get the volunteers for the clean up immediately after the meal they offered those volunteers the first place in line for dessert.
Pastor Patricia Giannelia, welcomed my wife and I and allowed us to share about the Mission and what has been and is happening here. I then presented some ideas from the story of the “Good Samaritan,” about stewardship in consideration of the lawyers’ question: “Who is my neighbor?”
The church and audience then participated in an active form of stewardship by taking up a collection for the Mission. Pastor Patricia will also be at the Mission on December 6th to share in our Hostel Staff meeting.
- Pastor Lester, Chaplain