Putting Our Talents Into Action!
In the Old Testament, a talent was a unit of measurement for weighing precious metals, usually gold and silver. In the New Testament, a talent was a value of money or coin...
Paul’s letter to the Ephesians might be closer to the contemporary meaning of talent. His attempt to get the saints to work as a unit, using the gift(s) to which you have been called, is in line with our present day understanding, To equip the saints for the work of the ministry for building up the body of Christ (Ephesians 4:12).
By now, you should have received a mailing from Hillside’s Stewardship Subcommittee that includes the Time and Talent Pledge Form for Calendar Year 2022. You are asked to prayerfully consider what talent(s) God is calling you to do in the church and the community. Yes, there is something for you to do no matter how large or small. Each of the six ministries and other commitments might have an area of expertise that you have not used in a long time or you have shelved since retirement. Hillside and the local and wider community need the talent God has entrusted to you and called you to activate for the good of God’s creation.
Additionally, have you given thought to the fact that God has called us, the church, to continue the ministries Jesus left as he ascended to Heaven? On this earthly planet, He has no other hands but our hands, no other feet but our feet, no other talent but our talent. We are His people, the sheep of His pasture, but we cannot and must not stand idly by and receive blessings without works.
Before it gets lost in other mailings, pick up the Time and Talent Pledge form and pray with it in hand asking God to guide you to the best use of your talent. Be assured, that whatever talent(s) the Lord gives us now, he will ask about later. God expects us, the church, to work diligently using our talent(s) for the good of all creation. Matthew 28:19 is our commission.
It is now time to prepare your Time and Talent Pledge form for mailing. While this article is specifically focused on the stewardship of talent, please feel free to send your financial pledge form also.
Elder Alice Moore
Stewardship Subcommittee
Ministry of Administration
