Stewardship: A Deeper Connection

by Anne Womeldorf

[Editor's Note: This month we are launching our annual Stewardship Campaign. This year, leaders of the congregation who will be making face to face visits with the entire congregation (often called an “Every Member Canvass”). In this post, Anne Womeldorf reflects on theme our homecoming theme of hospitality related to the last time we did an Every Member Canvass.]

The last time we had an every member canvas, I was nervous. In fact, the very idea makes me nervous. Talking to church people about money. Not really my thing. I’m not the only one, of course. When I steeled myself to make my phone calls, my respondents were as uncomfortable as I. All three hurriedly assured me that they were sending their pledges in right that minute. No need for me to come by. I could practically hear them running to the Post Office.

So, when stewardship plans were announced this year, I thought “here we go again.”

Then, in a recent Sunday morning forum we focused on three stories where money was a theme- familiar stories but in a different context. In the first, Jesus tells the rich young ruler to give all his money to the poor. In the second Zacchaeus, after his encounter with Jesus, vows to give away half of his worldly goods. However, the third was a story I had never associated with stewardship. A woman comes to Jesus shortly before the crucifixion and anoints his head with expensive oil. The disciples complain that the money should have been given to the poor. But Jesus surprises. He says something like, leave her alone, she has done what she could. The poor will always be here, but I will not.

Jesus’ focus was entirely different from mine in my stewardship-visit-phobia. There was no formula. He focused on each person. He looked into each heart and saw each need. So, my view of what stewardship is about has changed. It’s about each of us looking inward and acknowledging that we give out of our own need. Our need for connection, for showing gratitude, our yearning to move, if only a little, closer to a Christ-like life. We give whatever we have to give, but with love and from the heart. It’s only appropriate that we engage each other during this important season.