Stewardship

1 Corinthians 4:1-2 - This is how one should regard us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required of stewards that they be found trustworthy. So just what is a steward and why are we talking about stewardship

For most of us, stewardship seems to be the church's code word for "now we're going to talk about money." And for good reason. The church needs money to function and to fulfill its mission to bring the gospel to the world. But tithing our money is just one part of what it means to be a steward. Stewardship is about the way we choose to conduct ourselves in this world, the way we say "Yes" to God.

Stewardship can be defined as God's call to us to make good choices with our time, abilities, and money. God has given us everything our whole life and all that is in it, the earth and all that is on it! Wow! God has entrusted us with the care of these blessings. God calls us to honor our commitments, care for the earth, make good use of our resources, and give from our abundance.

With great trust, God has asked you to make the most out of your abundance. Give of your money, but give also of your time and abilities. With all that you have been given, what will you do How will you say "Yes" to God

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January 2006 Stewardship Annual Report

During our October 2005 We Say Yes stewardship focus, Central members explored four questions that are asked in the Bible: Where are you? What have you done? Where is your brother/sister/neighbor? Who do you say that I am?

Each of these questions reminded us that there is a way of life, a purpose, and a mission to which God calls us and holds us accountable. It is an accountability that springs from our relationship with God who creates, loves, and cares for us. The committee would like to thank Pastor Brian, Pastor Phillip Reitz from ELCA Region 1 and numerous congregational members who contributed to our stewardship program through worship, adult forums and temple talks.

The Central Lutheran Stewardship committee mission is to educate, challenge and inspire members to say "Yes!" to God's call of commitment and accountability. Together we will do the work of the church!

During 2005 Central members were asked to:

• Pray for the courage to say "Yes!" to God and Central Lutheran Church.
  Make a pledge of support for Central's mission and ministry for calendar year 2006. Thank you to members who responded "'Yes!" to God's call to accountability and relationship by making a commitment to the work and life of the congregation.
• Make an end of the year donation to contribute to the congregation's 2005 operating funds budget deficit.
• Be receptive to congregational members who share their mission focus through monthly temple talks.
• Attend Sunday Adult Forums when we discussed saying "Yes" to God by being faithful disciples and trustworthy stewards.

In 2006 our stewardship goals are to:

Thank you in advance for your attention and support of Central Lutheran Church in 2006

Central Lutheran Church Stewardship Committee

Gary Downing, Chair
Sandy Keyser
Hazel Larpenteur
Pastor Brian Brandt

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