Making Ministry Happen - 2011/2012 Stewardship Campaign
THEME
The theme for this year is "Making Ministry Happen" and the focus is on "Our Commitment."
There are three important aspects that we at Our Father Lutheran Church would like to focus on this year:
1. A commitment to personal growth as a disciple
2. A commitment to use your time and talent to serve your Lord
3. A commitment to financially support the ministry here at Our Father and in the community
These three aspects are all a part of what can make ministry happen more effectively through us. We want to honor God with our gifts and to be obedient to Him. This obedience will in turn bless others.
WHAT IS STEWARDSHIP?
The Lord's Instructions for Us:
Stewardship comes from a word that means manager of another's belongings. We are given our lives...our family...our resources...and all our gifts from God to manage faithfully in this world. With such a big responsibility we need to consult with our Owner/Creator often about how to handle these resources as faithfully as possible.
We face fears in our lives with our economic and family situations. But stewardship as a responsive, heart-felt act of disciples to God's on-going grace and goodness in our lives helps us to realize that circumstances will not stand in the way of our giving. Though we are mindful of the changing personal and economic conditions, we are more mindful of God's unchanging provision and under-girding love. So we decide to trust God rather than fear our situations. Here is a real life example:
One of our members is struggling financially. In her offering envelope every Sunday, she still put in $1. Despite her difficult situation, she is faithful and committed to supporting the Lord's ministry. We became aware of her difficulties and helped her at Christmas. Even with that financial gift, she gave 10% of it back in her envelope and hopes to do better giving in the future. Each person's part makes a difference.
GOALS FOR 2011 AND 2012
Two goals for Our Father Lutheran Church and its members are listed below. Each person in the congregation can be a part of living out these goals. You are invited to consider how you might want to grow as a disciple of Christ in 2011. Use these goals as a self-examination process and make it a personal goal to respond to one or more of these commitment goals for yourself for this next year.
GOAL #1 - Build Loving Relationships through the Power of the Holy Spirit
A) My Relationship with My Lord
What would help me grow in my faith (i.e. more/daily Bible reading, connecting more with God through prayer, journaling, serving in a new way, etc.)?
B) My Relationship with Others
What keeps me from having loving relationships with others in my life? How could I improve my dealings with others? With whom do I need to reconcile or rebuild? Is there someone I find unloveable or unforgivable? Do all people see Christ in me? Am I reaching out to people in the community with God's love?
GOAL #2 - Prayerfully Discover God's Will for Our Future Ministry
A) My Daily Living
Do I always demand my ways versus being open to God's desires? do I ask "Is this my idea or God's idea?" Am I listening to what God might be directing me to do in my life (i.e. though reading God's Word, conversation with Christian friends, Christian radio or music, spiritual listening with an open mind, prayerful decision-making, seeking godly knowledge and understanding, etc.)?
B) Stewarding God's Gifts
Do I recognize all my resources as God's gifts to me? With what gifts could I be a better steward (i.e. time, abilities, money, our bodies, our relationships, etc.)?
PRINTABLE FORMS
Automatic Withdrawal - To make contributions through your checking/savings account or your debit/credit account, print this Automatic Withdrawal Authorization Form, fill it out and return it to the church office or click on the "Donate Now" buttone at the top of this page.
Time and Talents - Print out this Time and Talent Form, fill it out and return it to the church office. Note: You will need legal size paper to print this form.