ROTASHIP
Ok, fair warning, I’m about to use a four letter word – ROTA. There, I did it. Well, it is four letters, and with the rather small percentage of them that get returned to us, I thought maybe it was an offensive four letter word and so folks avoid them J. The ROTA forms which we are getting ready to send out gives you the opportunity to list areas you would like to serve in at St. John's which gives us a pool of names that we use to know who to ask when a need arises – in other words, it is really a “stewardship” item.
Oh, there I did it again, another four letter word. Okay, I realize it is not four letters, but it seems that “stewardship” is often treated like a four letter word – it offends. Just think about your reaction when you hear the word “stewardship”. Do you get joyfully excited? Or is the feeling more like dread, or foreboding, or get a sudden urge to hide the checkbook or glance at your calendar? It seems more often than not that folks are not very excited about the subject. It could be because it touches upon some of the most precious and dear idols in our life, and of course there is our Old Adam which is always concerned only with itself – the exact opposite of stewardship.
As you have heard from me many times, stewardship is really about realizing that EVERYTHING you have is a gift from God – EVERYTHING, period. Every bit of your resources (time, money, talents, possessions, your very life, etc.) has been given to you by God. He is the owner, you the steward, the caretaker of His gifts. And as those made in His image and remade in that image in Christ, you are among those who are to daily realize that He has lovingly given you all things and you are to use them generously as He wants you to – namely to His glory and the welfare/care of those around you – family, friends, neighbors, and your fellow members here at St. John’s. That’s where the ROTA comes in as it gives you suggestions of ways you can show your thankfulness and love to God in service to your brothers and sisters in Christ. You can think of it as ROTASHIP J.
I would ask that you each give prayerful consideration of where you might be able to offer some of the precious time and energy that God has given you for service at Saint John's. Whether it’s serving as an elder's assistant, Sunday school teacher, providing snacks for fellowship times, serving as an officer, being available to give rides or help members with other needs that arise or whatever area appeals to you, please know that each area of service is greatly needed and appreciated.
As you grow in your understanding and perspective of your loving God’s care and support of others through you, whole-life stewardship actually becomes a very freeing and joyful daily living in thanksgiving, rather than something that you dread or beats you down. It is a life with your eyes fixed on Christ and all that that enables you to do!
Pastor
