Heath (Husband/Dad/Granddaddy): Y’all, Marcia’s invited us to write a letter together reflecting on what “Stewardshift” - and particularly at this time in the life of GCPC - means to us. I’ve been struggling with this some, what thoughts do you have?
Margaret (Daughter/Mom): Well, my first thought is that I don’t have a lot to offer to that conversation. I usually associate Stewardship Season with giving, and it feels like I’ve been doing a lot more “taking” lately, with not so much to give - financially or physically!
Blake (Son/Grandson): You know Mom, we’ve been studying word roots at school this year. If you look up the origin of the word Steward, it’s referencing looking after others. Specifically someone who takes care of the house. But shifting away from that, the way we are using it, it means someone who contributes to others’ well being. The GCPC staff and community has shifted a LOT this year to accommodate our needs, like being online because of Covid-19.
Peggy (Wife/Mom/Grandmother aka Honeydear): So true, Blake! I’ve seen a lot of Holy Shift and Steward Shift at GCPC. Look at the Deacons, for example. I’ve observed many ways they’ve navigated new challenges because of Covid 19. Like phone calls instead of in-home visits, regular notes written to offer support and to ask what needs we might have, flowers to brighten our homes, the list goes on and on. Truly, Holy Shift!
Margaret: That is a lot of shift!
Heath: It is. But I’m still struggling. To be honest, I have not loved all the “Shifts” which we have been experiencing at GCPC. I understand them, but I miss sharing in-person smiles, hugs, and no-mask face-to-face greetings with my church family. One of the draws of GCPC to me was our music program, and the grand sound of our organ and magnificent choir as well as our congregation singing - and I miss that.
Blake: Yeah, me too, Granddaddy. But if we think back to what being a steward means, we’ve really been shifting how we care for each other during this time. Having Youth Group on Zoom - and even having a Virtual Mission Trip - gave me a chance to hang out with friends during a lonely time, while still serving others, and the Advisors have worked so hard to have fun activities for us. Plus, we’ve been shifting as a congregation in many ways, not just because of the pandemic. We’ve shifted how we share resources to help those who need it, like with our service partners, by intentionally moving to support those who identify as BIPOC with our giving.
Peggy: You’re right, Blake. We’ve had hard conversations about privilege, and how we can more faithfully reflect our values through our giving with our Ministry Partners and Covenant Partners. And speaking of Youth gathering, our whole Christian Education has changed greatly with no in person gatherings. Zoom has a whole new meaning for all of us! We have classes on Zoom, Bible studies on Zoom, book gatherings on Zoom, Session and Deacon meetings on Zoom, Congregational and Committee meetings on Zoom, I could go on and on!
Margaret: Listening to you all talk, I’m aware of how meaningful many of these shifts have been for me. Truthfully, I’ve been able to be more involved during the pandemic than at any other time since my cancer diagnosis. It’s been a gift to be able to worship with my GCPC family on YouTube, and even participate in conversation during the service through the chat. Many of my GCPC Mama Sisters have been a lifeline as we’ve navigated all this shift together! I’ve been able to attend virtual gatherings, even on my “slow” days when I’m hanging out on the couch in my jammies and wouldn’t be able to make an in-person gathering. And as I think about it, I’ve also been able to offer some of my gifts in ways I hadn’t necessarily been able to before the shift happened - dancing to Jerusalema, serving as a liturgist, and what’s probably my favorite, helping out with the Morning Zoom adventures with our youngest church family members.
Heath: Speaking of children, that’s one of the things I really miss, Margaret. Church meals together, and face to face meetings where we not only handle the business at hand, but also have time for one on one “Catch ups” with others, and can see how much the children have grown. I miss not being able to touch and smell the freshness of new babies, to visit with preschoolers about the miracles of life which they are experiencing, and the “sense of belonging” which comes from gathering in our sanctuary or fellowship hall.
BUT, as Marcia stated so eloquently in her sermon on September 19, when I look at that list of things I miss and if I stop there, I realize that I may not have been as open to the shifts in the way the Holy Spirit has entered my life as I should have been. So, I have to think further - and for a person in his late 70’s who has always “done” church a certain way, it requires a sincere willingness to risk and relinquish my personal “druthers”. So, in all honesty, I can say that this shift in our way of being church has brought new gifts into my life. They may not satisfy me as fully sometimes as the “old ways”, but on other occasions, I find them stimulating and exciting.
For instance, being able to worship with our church community via technology when we are on vacation, or not feeling our best, has been very comforting. Recognizing that the “work” of the church, specifically in areas of service and justice advocacy, does not mean we have to gather together in order to minister with others. Some of the ways we have been assigned to groups for study or reflection have allowed me to get to know some members whom I now cherish as friends - but may not have ever gotten to know in the same way. Technology is part of our world in ways I would never have imagined as a boy. But having access to resources and remarkable church and world leaders through such venues as Zoom, or Facetime, or YouTube - are now an integral part of my personal growth.
Blake: True! We’ve certainly been able to spend some time together “learning” about technology, Granddaddy. (Insert age-appropriate teenage smirk)
Peggy: And we so appreciate your help, Blake! That’s definitely one way you’ve shared your gifts and cared for us during this season of shift.
Margaret: When we started, I wasn’t so sure how much I’d have to contribute to this conversation. Thanks to y’all, I’ve been reminded of so many ways the shifts we’ve experienced have allowed me to be a more faithful member of our GCPC community. And I feel encouraged to imagine even more new, creative ways I can be an even better steward through these ongoing shifts.
Heath: It’s been helpful for me as well, Margaret. There is certainly more we could say, but suffice it to say that in my mind “Shift” equals “change.” And change only occurs when there is friction. But change is critical. As Presbyterians we say that we are not only a Reformed faith community, but a reforming one as well.
So even though it’s hard, I join the chorus of chants saying that we must continue shifting to be faithful stewards of our church and world. May God help us all be open to new opportunities to know and share God’s Word! And to embrace a STEWARDSHIFT season unlike any other!
Blake: Now, who’s going to turn all this shift into a letter?
