- Tricia Curtis
On October 18th, I presented the following as the kickoff presentation for the annual Stewardship Campaign. Please read it, and be reminded of what is involved in Stewardship in the United Church. Stewardship continues throughout the year, and your help and support are needed throughout the year, in caring for our church and each other.
Today is the first Sunday of our annual Stewardship campaign. As in previous years, over the next few weeks you will hear from other people about stewardship related topics. On November 22nd, our treasurer, Joe Smarkala, will speak about our finances, and we will cap the campaign period with the opportunity to fill out our pledge cards for the coming year. We plan to have another stewardship fair this year on pledge Sunday, and I encourage you to speak to the exhibitors about ways you can volunteer to help with any of the church committees and events.
This past year has been a time of change, as we got used to the reality of having only one minister, and went through the process of determining who our full time minister would be. We said goodbye to Reverend Matt and welcomed Reverend Kathryn to our church. We went through some positive changes financially, and we have been able to build up a better reserve fund which will help us in the event of any emergency situation.
Our campaign theme last year was “Building for the Future”, and I think we did successfully follow through on that idea.
So, what is our theme for this year? We considered “The Future is Now”, but that would imply that our work is done – so we rejected that idea. Then, Reverend Rob Merritt spoke at Reverend Kathryn’s covenanting service. His topic was perfect – “Are we there yet?” And his conclusion was that the journey continues. We journey towards the world that Christ envisioned, of peaceful coexistence, where neighbour helps neighbour and none are left behind. We must continue to look forward and work toward a bright future for us and for others. Thus our theme is: “The Journey Continues”.
Our church has been under tremendous pressure in recent years to do what needed to be done, and then to pay what had to be paid. Money was tight, and we spent most of our reserves. With the exception of Scout Hall, most of the spaces in the building have been well-renovated to create a bright and inviting church. We have reduced our ministerial staffing. Now we are in a better financial position, and we will be able to do more of what our congregation wants to do – that is, to reach out and help others. There are many charities which benefit from our current donations to Outreach and M&S, but there may be others which we could also support. There are short term “good works” projects, such as last year’s Chipembi scholarship fund. When our fundraisers are no longer needed to keep the lights on in the building, they can be used directly for additional valuable services to help our neighbours. Think about what you would like your church to be able to do, and let the church know, by contacting any member of council or Reverend Kathryn. Share your ideas and visions.
The challenge for Woodroffe United Church is to move away from the scarcity mentality of the past years, and move towards seeking out good works, and building them into our work as a church in Ottawa and the world.
The journey continues.
Remember – Stewardship is not just about managing money. Gifts of time and talent are equally important. Ask yourselves what YOU can do to help your church, your church family, and the world. Can you volunteer some of YOUR time and talent to help your church? Our volunteers make volunteering FUN! Office help, help with dinners, game nights, fund raisers, outreach activities, coffee time, visiting the homebound, gardening, maintenance – there are many places where your time and energy and talents can be put to good use. Next weekend is the bazaar – have you volunteered to help, and/or done your baking yet? Welcome all people to our church – a smile and friendly conversation are always appreciated, and may make someone’s day. Talk to your friends and neighbours, and invite them to attend the church or its fundraisers. Show the world that we are a loving, generous, and caring community. Invite others to join our continuing journey.
Our journey continues. May God guide our steps along the way.
I hope that this will encourage you to do what you can to help the church, the congregation, and our neighbours in the world around us.
Please remember our upcoming fund-raisers. Poinsettias are on sale now, after church and through the office, for pickup on December 5 and 6. We will be selling frozen berries after Christmas. And, to coincide with the final season of Downton Abbey, we are planning a Farewell to Downton Abbey Tea on February 6 which should be a lot of fun.