Stewardship Is a Practical Expression of Mission, to Show Gratitude for Our Abundant

BENEFICIARIES

We often think of the word ‘beneficiaries’ as applying to someone’s will. Leaving property or money.
As members of the Church, we are all beneficiaries. Inheritors of church buildings and halls handed down to us by those who have worked to raise money, or left sums of money in their wills. Years of effort, so that we now have a place to worship and host all kinds of activities. Local church histories tell stories of wonderful men and women – benefactors – to whom we owe so much for our inheritance.

In other ways, we have been blessed too. Men and women called to ministry have been trained at our theological colleges over many years, supported by beneficiary funds set up by the Church. Fees and accommodation paid by funds set aside, including lecturers and professors appointed to teach students in their years of preparation. How blessed we have been.

As inheritors we are now called to do our part to maintain, restore, renew and build for the future.

Stewardship is a practical expression of mission, to show gratitude for our abundant inheritances.

Reflection: Think of ways in which your church and you have benefited over the years. Count those blessings. Is there a challenge for to do more? Read John1:16.
Bill Pugh

Image by Matt via Flickr

Family love

A baby bird, no more than a few days’ old, was sitting in our backyard. Its young wings were damaged, perhaps clipped during an accident. The wounded bird was unable to fly; it was nestled on the barks of our garden. Dangerous predators can lurk in our backyard, none more treacherous than our resident cat!

I observed the bird from afar, unsure what I could do to help it. I am no vet or animal expert and I did not want to cause it further distress.

I watched as two birds – I assume its mother and father – fed it worms as they tried to nurse their child back to health. It was a powerful display of tender love and kindness.Even in the animal kingdom, the bond between parents and children is powerful.

I am often surprised, and touched, by the love displayed by animals, creatures of God’s creation. How great is the love of a parent!

Reflection: Take some time on Mother’s Day to express gratitude to your mum.They work tirelessly behind-the-scenes to make sure we are properly fed, healthy and happy.

We pray for expectant mothers about to undertake the challenging, but rewarding, journey of motherhood. Let us also remember all the mothers who have departed from this world and returned to the embrace of our Heavenly Father.

Pauline Murphy

The coach

During a sermon, the preacher observed that we can see God from two perspectives: God as a referee, or God as a coach.

If we see God as a referee, he is like a judge who constantly monitors and reprimands us for our wrongdoing. The referee does not care who wins or loses. His role is to make sure all the players on the field abide by the rules. If we break the rules, we may receive a ‘yellow card’ for our transgressions.

The other perspective is to see God as a coach. He often pushes us, sometimes beyond our comfort zone. But he does so because he wants to see us improve. He wants us to fulfil our potential and make the most of our gifts. During moments of weakness and self-doubt, he is there to offer us encouragement and strength.

God wants us to grow so we can use our talents to serve others. We can do so much more with our gifts. We can be God’s hands in the world, doing his good works. When we feed the hungry, clothe the poor and visit the sick, we are fulfilling Jesus’ mission.

Reflection:
Christ has no body but yours,
No hands, no feet on earth but yours,
Yours are the eyes with which he looks
Compassion on this world,
– St Teresa of Avila

Brian Lee

Image by popofatticus via Flickr

COPY BOOK STYLE

Some of us remember learning to write. Carefully-formed words, plenty of practice and keeping to the lines. Blotting paper, and inkwells in a wooden desk.

Compare that to writing now. Our chemist has to ring one of our doctors to make sure the script is what he thinks it is!

Our friend Doug was a respected teacher for many years in the technical system. He was a talented artist, skilled with his hands, and a beautiful writer. He insists on handwritten letters.They are carefully formed and well worth keeping. He can send emails but he prefers to write his considered thoughts by hand. His writing tells me something about his wonderful Christian character.

In his Letter to Thessalonians, Paul ended his message with these words, “With my own hand I write this: Greetings from Paul. This is the way I sign every letter, this is how I write this.”

Paul wrote as he lived, full of encouragement, and teaching for his readers. His faith and love for them shone through in every word. His personal handwriting says much. It is a personal guarantee, his way of saying, “Yours sincerely, Paul.”

Reflection: How does my communicating of the Gospel measure up to the high standards of Paul?

Could I write in copy- book style like Doug, in my very best hand writing, these words of Paul – “I am not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God or the salvation of every one who believes.” And hand deliver, or post it, many,many times, as my personal word of mission?

Bill Pugh

Image by Jamie via Flickr

Love without judgement

It is often easier to perform acts of kindness to people who are similar to us. People we like and empathise with. People like our family and friends.

Why is it so much harder to go out of our way to help a complete stranger?

When we see someone on the street – especially someone who is dishevelled or unkempt in their appearance – we may become suspicious of their intentions. We start doubting and stop loving. We start to judge and make assumptions about their character and their motivations.

Jesus reached out to those on the margins of society,people labelled ‘outsiders’. This included lepers,gentiles and tax collectors. Women in those days were regarded as second-class citizens. Yet Jesus chose women as the first witnesses to his resurrection.

His willingness to dine with the poor and those branded ‘sinners’ attracted scrutiny, even scorn, from those who considered themselves more worthy. But God’s love is universal and his kingdom open to all.

Throughout his ministry, Jesus offered companionship to those who were forgotten by society. As followers of Jesus, our challenge is to carry that inclusive spirit into our everyday interactions.

Reflection:

The Bible is filled with stories of Jesus’ ministry to the marginalised. Take some time to read and reflect on those stories. May the love of Christ inspire us to love all people regardless of their social, cultural and religious background.

Lisa Cook