Words of Encouragement
and
Thoughts on Stewardship
from Alexis Posnanski
October 2, 2020

First and foremost, I want to reiterate the heartfelt thanks Andrew spoke of in his stewardship video in yesterday’s Words of Encouragement (10/1). Now more than ever, we are so grateful for the church community that has funded, volunteered, celebrated and advocated for our mission to “live Christ’s life into the world.” At a time when everything feels uncertain, we find comfort, encouragement and gratitude knowing you, members of The Church of St. Michael & St. George, support the vision and mission of CSMSG. This is a special place and God’s work is on display! 

The continued generosity reminds me of the passage from 1 Thessalonians 5:11, “Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” We are putting this into action here at CSMSG and the following are just a few of the ways we have seen this come to fruition since March 15:

  1. Phone trees were organized to coordinate volunteers, check on parishioners, and offer help with meals and errands.
  2. Monetary support was provided to support individuals and families within our parish who needed financial assistance as a result of the pandemic via the Pat Johnson (Patricia Mary) Assistance Fund, generously supported by CSMSG parishioners.
  3. “Words of Encouragement” have been published daily allowing clergy, staff and parishioners to reflect on various topics. 
  4. Three Sunday services offered outside on the playground and the recent addition of an outdoor Children’s Eucharist.
  5. The St. Michael’s Sunday Drive-Thru this past Sunday brought the parish together for a socially distanced celebration of the Church’s patron saint. Please watch the video below to witness the joy and fellowship of this event.
This passage also reminds us that we need each other. Especially now! How do we encourage each other and lift each other up? We listen to each other. We offer grace to each other. We are quick to forgive each other. We are humble. We turn from gossip. We thank God for this faithful and generous community.

Early in my tenure at CSMSG, Father Peter loaned me a book by The Rev. Charles Cloughen, Jr. entitled One Minute Stewardship Sermons. Immediately I was drawn to the following paragraph:

“People do not give to meet the budget of the church, but to further the ministry of the parish, the diocese, the world. They do not pledge to pay utility bills (although they realize that these have to be paid), but to provide light and heat in order to worship in the church, to assure warm, well-lighted places where children can get to know Jesus and where community and church groups can meet to learn and be healed. They give so that the sick may be healed, the world may know Jesus-and that they may have a place in which to offer their prayers and receive the sacraments, especially the body and blood of Christ.”

This is it. This is stewardship. We are living this every day at CSMSG. And we couldn’t make God’s love tangible without your stewardship. Thank you for your time, treasure and talent and for sharing God’s abundance with CSMSG. I cannot wait to witness the continued stewardship in 2021. THANK YOU! 

In gratitude,
Alexis

  • Please register to attend Sunday's 8:00 AM in-person, outdoor worship service by 11 PM Saturday.

  • Please register to attend Sunday's 9:00 AM in-person, outdoor worship service by 11 PM Saturday.

  • Please register to attend Sunday's 10:00 AM in-person, outdoor worship service by 11 PM Saturday.

  • Sunday services are on the playground and parking on Wydown is encouraged.

  • Those following the Sunday online service at 10 AM may download the Sunday Morning Prayer service leaflet posted on the web. We join with one voice in the Worship of the living God.