Stewardship- We are God’s Stewards

^{What is Stewardship}

^{Stewardship is often a topic that makes people uncomfortable and hearing the word can make some tune out the message. But do we really know what Stewardship means?}

^{Stewardship involves managing the gifts God has given us: time, talents, and treasures. A steward is one who manages or administers someone else’s household affairs. As faithful servants we are called to live a life dedicated to using God’s gifts for His purposes and to His glory. 1 Peter 4:10 – “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another as good stewards of God’s varied grace.”}

^{Stewardship is not always about money, but treasures are an important part, our church cannot exist without your generous giving. It is not always about grand gestures, stewardship can be simple, faithful and God-pleasing gifts that happen every day. Sharing a kind word with someone, inviting someone to attend church with you, or sharing the good news of Jesus Christ, are all examples of us living our lives as God’s Stewards.}

^{God calls us to share His word- we do this in our weekly ministry, youth education, and community outreach. There are so many great examples of us demonstrating God’s love every day. Think about what you can do as God’s Steward.}

Learn more by connecting with stjamesstewards@gmail.com

^{Time- Talent-Treasures}

^{Time, Talent, and Treasures– are all gifts from God.  Each of us is blessed with a gift- some are blessed with the trifecta, while others may shine with one, and some may not really see their true gift, when others do.}  

^{But God has provided us with a special gift.  He calls on us to share that gift with our church family and our community.  As each one has received a special gift, employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. 1 Peter 4:10}

^{Time– The Lord has asked us to make time to attend weekly worship.  Since we are here, why not volunteer as a greeter, usher, altar prep/assistant, or Sunday School Teacher. The great thing about these jobs- no previous experience is necessary! We will provide on the job training. Your signing bonus- you are doing the work of the Lord!}

^{And do not forget to do good and to share with those in need. These are the sacrifices that please God. Hebrews 13:16}

^{Talent– what special talent has God given to you? Do you sing or play an instrument, cook, bake, sew, organize, garden? Are you a good listener, compassionate, a teacher- the church is full of ways for you to share your talents? If you have a talent and do not see a way to showcase it- ask- and we find a way to use it.  We will never turn down any help.}

^{Ask yourself- how are you using your talent to glorify God? Since we have gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, each of us is to exercise them accordingly: if prophecy, according to the proportion of his faith; Romans 12:6}

^{Treasures- the Bible is full of references about money and what we should do with it. For some, God has provided more treasures than he did for others, but he expects the treasures he gives to be used for the good of the church’s ministry.  The church cannot exist without your generous weekly offerings.}

^{It is important to remember every gift- no matter the size, counts. God asks you to give what you can. A small gift given from the heart, holds great value for both the giver and for the church. No one should ever feel their contribution is not valued or needed. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also. Mathew 6:21}

^{Ways to Give}

• ^{Cash – in person}
• ^{Check- in person or mail in}
• ^{Bank -Using your bank’s bill pay program. Contribute one-time or set up recurring payments- weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly donations}
• ^{Tithe.ly -Give online or using mobile app. Listed as St. James Lutheran Church. Members have the option to pay the small transaction fee or pass it on to the church.}
• ^{Venmo- Give online or using mobile app. Listed under Personal-look up St. James Lutheran Church. @St-James-Lutheran-Church. Members have the option to pay the small transaction fee or pass it on to the church.}

^{Ways to Serve}

• _Greeter
• _Usher
• _Reader
• _{Communion Assistant}
• _{Communion Set Up/Clean Up}
• _{Sunday School Teacher}
• _{Coffee Hour}
• _{Funeral Dinners}
• _Gardening
• _{Elders Committee}
• _{Evangelism Committee}
• _{Tuesday Free Meal}