Each year, we consider the overarching stewardship–the ways we are spiritually inspired caretakers–of this church and this faith community. We are guided in this conversation over the month of October by the United Methodist membership vows: to support the ministries of the Church with our prayers, our presence, our gifts, our service, and our witness.
We continue with presence and I invite you to notice that we’re heading into the second week of our stewardship series and haven’t yet asked for your pledge. Don’t worry! We’ll get to that! And a full expression of stewardship isn’t centered only around money. I believe that God wants us each to bring our full selves, and one important aspect of that is to simply show up!
Among my colleagues, sometimes we talk about a “ministry of presence.” So often there is value simply in being present and in proximity even where there are no answers to hard questions, even when beautiful music isn’t heard, even when no scripture is being studied, even when no sermon is being exhorted. Sometimes we just want to know that someone is there and present. Sometimes just being there is perfect.
The power of our presence is meaningful and powerful and has tangible impact on us individually and on our communities.
Acts 2:42-47 (CEB)
42The believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, to the community, to their shared meals, and to their prayers. 43A sense of awe came over everyone. God performed many wonders and signs through the apostles. 44All the believers were united and shared everything. 45They would sell pieces of property and possessions and distribute the proceeds to everyone who needed them. 46Every day, they met together in the temple and ate in their homes. They shared food with gladness and simplicity. 47They praised God and demonstrated God’s goodness to everyone. The Lord added daily to the community those who were being saved.
Consider these questions:
- Can you think of a time when someone’s presence was particularly meaningful to you? What did it mean to you? How did you feel?
- Can you think of a time when someone’s absence was particularly difficult for you? What did it mean to you? How did you feel?
- How do you feel most supported in your day-to-day life?
- How do you feel most supported when you are facing crisis?
- Where does your faith community fit into these last two questions?
- Does your week feel different depending on whether or not you participate in Worship on Sunday (online or in-person)?
- What feels different between online and in-person Worship?