The vestry members were asked recently to attend a weekend retreat with the focus on stewardship. The only thing I anticipated was that it would probably be uncomfortable. For me, money is a difficult subject. I don't like to talk about it, think about it, or manage it. I do, however, enjoy spending it.
Yes, the stewardship topic did include the discussion of money but it was much more than that. Mike invited his friend, John Otto, to lead us in our discussion of stewardship. John has a great deal of experience with presentations on stewardship, which he talked about. The most important information, though, was about how he has woven stewardship into his personal life over the years.
I realized that the discipline of a monetary commitment to St Philip’s would be beneficial to me, as well as to the church. I want to feel like I am a part of what makes the church available to me. The way I see it is: I want to be a giver rather than a taker.
St. Philip's has been a part of my life since before I even moved to Uvalde. My mother visited the church while I was having my job interview at Uvalde Memorial Hospital. I understand from Julie Visel that my mother wanted the church to know that Hanna and I would be moving to Uvalde and we would be attending church here. This was before I was even offered the job (my mother had great faith that I would get the job!!!). We attended our first service at St. Philip's before we had even found a place to live. St. Philip's has been here for us through Hanna's confirmation, Happening weekend, our Cursillos, pet blessings, covered dish lunches, and every other social activity I can think of. My closest friends attend church with us.
It is important to me that the church is here for us. I want the lights to be on, the air conditioning running, our organ to play, our organist to play the organ, our ladies to clean, and our priests to preach. How can any of these things be certain without money to cover the expenses????
Yes, giving of our time and talent is important and generous but it doesn't help pay the electricity bill. When I commit to contribute to the efforts of St Philip’s, I am making a commitment to myself, my family, and all the other parishioners that I want us to continue our life with Christ at St. Philip's. I challenge all of us to making giving to St. Philip's a priority in our budget, and in our life.
-- Lee Case, Vestry Member
Yes, the stewardship topic did include the discussion of money but it was much more than that. Mike invited his friend, John Otto, to lead us in our discussion of stewardship. John has a great deal of experience with presentations on stewardship, which he talked about. The most important information, though, was about how he has woven stewardship into his personal life over the years.
I realized that the discipline of a monetary commitment to St Philip’s would be beneficial to me, as well as to the church. I want to feel like I am a part of what makes the church available to me. The way I see it is: I want to be a giver rather than a taker.
St. Philip's has been a part of my life since before I even moved to Uvalde. My mother visited the church while I was having my job interview at Uvalde Memorial Hospital. I understand from Julie Visel that my mother wanted the church to know that Hanna and I would be moving to Uvalde and we would be attending church here. This was before I was even offered the job (my mother had great faith that I would get the job!!!). We attended our first service at St. Philip's before we had even found a place to live. St. Philip's has been here for us through Hanna's confirmation, Happening weekend, our Cursillos, pet blessings, covered dish lunches, and every other social activity I can think of. My closest friends attend church with us.
It is important to me that the church is here for us. I want the lights to be on, the air conditioning running, our organ to play, our organist to play the organ, our ladies to clean, and our priests to preach. How can any of these things be certain without money to cover the expenses????
Yes, giving of our time and talent is important and generous but it doesn't help pay the electricity bill. When I commit to contribute to the efforts of St Philip’s, I am making a commitment to myself, my family, and all the other parishioners that I want us to continue our life with Christ at St. Philip's. I challenge all of us to making giving to St. Philip's a priority in our budget, and in our life.
-- Lee Case, Vestry Member
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