A Stewardship Moment

I am a fifth generation Methodist and couldn't conceive of belonging to any other church! The Methodist church feeds me spiritually and intellectually. I strongly support its doctrines and its organization.

The Methodist church has a long history of social activism, beginning with John Wesley himself. He was concerned with the individual, regardless of class. He championed the rights of the poor and under-privileged. And he called each individual to participate with him in the ministry of Jesus Christ. Over the years the Methodist Church has worked to alleviate social ills. It has founded universities and hospitals in this country, and ten years ago built a university in Zimbabwe, Africa. And it is making a difference through mission.

Furthermore, we are a connectional church – all Methodist churches are linked – enabling us more easily to work together and share resources. Our Districts and Annual Conferences offer learning and study opportunities to laity and clergy throughout the country. Our apportionment system gives churches the opportunity to do mission together in a way no Church, District or Annual Conference could do alone.

The New Canaan United Methodist Church, with its warm hearts and willing hands, is privileged to be part of this greater whole. Frank and I have been members of this congregation for twenty-seven years. We have shared joys and sorrows with many of you over the years. We have seen the unselfish gifts of time and talent so many of you have given: the Staff, the Caring Committee, choir leaders and members, Sunday School teachers, those that care for our church properties, leaders of the various commissions and committees, and many, many others. We have rejoiced in our church's mission outreach: sponsoring a Vietnamese family, supporting the Appalachian Service Project, raising money to build a church in India, sheltering the homeless, sponsoring the Schwenk missionary family from the beginning to the end of Richard Schwenk's career, supporting Midnight Run, and all the other projects we have supported by money, faith and prayer.

We, the congregation, together with our pastors as our spiritual guides, are "The Church;" We are the "Ministers" working individually and collectively to carry on the ministry of Jesus Christ here on earth. We once again have the opportunity to put our faith into action; to share the gifts God has given us by supporting our church budget: for church school and worship materials, operating expenses, salaries, and mission outreach. Jesus told his disciples, "...your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom. Sell what you have and give to the poor... Provide for yourselves a treasure in Heaven... For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.

John Wesley urged those in connection with him to "Earn all you can and save all you can, so that you can give all you can."

I ask you to thoughtfully and prayerfully consider what your family is able to pledge to support the work of this church in the coming year.

Karen Elmasry

October 27, 2002