Stewardship - a Call to Ministry

Tom Nutt-Powell reminded us in a July sermon that the Catechism, or Outline of the Faith, in the Book of Common Prayer defines the ministers of the Church this way: "The ministers of the Church are lay persons, bishops, priests, and deacons." Lay persons come first in that list.

The definition of lay ministry is a broad one, as a further look at the Catechism shows. It asks lay people "to represent Christ and his Church; to bear witness to him wherever they may be; and, according to the gifts given them, to carry on Christ's work of reconciliation in the world; and to take their place in the life, worship, and governance of the Church. "

That definition includes everything from serving at the altar to mowing the lawn; from volunteering in the prison ministry to spending a few minutes welcoming a newcomer at coffee hour, from serving on the Vestry to pledging a percent of your income to support All Saints parish. And it may include working for peace, justice and a better environment outside our doors.

This fall, as we think about how we respond as stewards of all the gifts God has given us - our talents, our time and our treasure - the Vestry and the Stewardship Committee will help us consider our roles as ministers of the Church.

On September 25 and 26, we begin with a Vestry-sponsored questionnaire to help discern the parish's concerns, needs, wishes, and hopes. On that Sunday, we also begin a weekly series to celebrate each area of ministry at All Saints, showing how we care for our church, our spirits, our children, those outside our church, and the environment.

On October 23 and 24, The Very Rev. Tracey Lind, Dean of Trinity Cathedral, Cleveland, Ohio, will be here to preach and to talk to us about ministry to society.

On Oct. 30 and 31, you will be asked to turn in cards pledging your support for the year 2005 at All Saints. The gifts of your time, talent and financial resources will make possible the continuing work of this blessed community.

"Stewardship is everything we do after we say, "I believe..."

Stewardship Schedule

Sept. 26-Discernment Sunday. Vestry-sponsored questionnaire distributed as part of the sermon. Ministries featured: Caring for our Church (Buildings & Grounds, etc.).

Oct. 3-Caring for our Spirits (liturgical and pastoral ministries).

Oct. 10-Caring for the Environment. Blessing of the Animals at the service.

Oct. 17-Caring for our Children (education ministries, Church School, Schola). Church School Participation Sunday.

Oct. 24-Keynote Sunday. Dean Tracey Lind preaching and leading after-church workshop. Caring for Others (outreach ministries).

Oct. 31-Gift Sunday. Pledge cards placed on the altar.

Nov. 7-All Saints Day celebrated. 110th Anniversary of the parish. Bishop Shaw preaching.