How Much Joy is there in Just Attending Church.

    STEWARDSHIP gives joy!  Those who voluntarily give their time and abilities for work in the parish will experience joy.  Many of us in some way have already been stewards of God's gifts.  Many find it a privilege to share their TIME Sunday praying with fellow parishioners or taking the Eucharist to residents at the nursing home.  We see people taking care of their elderly parents, doing their shopping or their laundry.  Our youth reach out to the residents at Altenheim Nursing Home or helping the little ones at Halloween, Easter, and at the parish picnic.  Many parents give time to their children as do husbands and wives to one another.

    However, often we hear others and ourselves say, "we haven't enough time."  Unfortunately, we look at our lives from a human, selfish, point of view.  All too often we hear:

• "Goodbye, sir, excuse me -- I haven't time."

• "I must end this letter -- I haven't time."

• "I'd love to help you, but -- I haven't time."

• "I can't think, I can't read, I'm swamped -- I haven't time."

• "I'd like to pray, but -- I haven't time."

• "I'll come back, I cannot wait -- I haven't time."

• "I should spend more time with the kids, but I haven't the time, work always seems to come first."

    There is always time to do what God wants us to do -- we just need to place ourselves completely into each moment that He offers us.  Let us, in those moments, find time for Scripture, time with our families, time for prayer, time for reflection, time for wellness.

    According to scripture, we are partners in Christ.  "God chose us in him before the world began, to be holy and blameless in His sight, to be full of love; he likewise predestined us through Christ Jesus to be His adopted sons -- such was his will and pleasure -- that all might praise the glorious favor he has bestowed on us in His beloved.  It is in Christ and through His blood that we have been redeemed and our sins forgiven so immeasurable generous is God's favor to us." (Ephesians 1:4-8)

    How can we find joy in that partnership?  By following Jesus, be being a disciple of Jesus, by being Jesus to others within the time he has given us.

Fr. Bob Kraig and Stewardship Committee

           [God's Way of Life]   [Joyful Living]   [Disciple's Response]   [How to Live]   [Joy in Church]   [The Call]   [Living as a Steward I]  [Living as a Steward II]  [Church as Steward]