Stewardship at Grace and Glory

"WORKERS IN GOD'S VINEYARD, A LABOR OF LOVE"

Stewardship Committee Annual Fall Program for 2010

In the fall of each year we make a commitment of our time, talents and treasure for the following year. The theme of this fall's Stewardship program, as shown above, is based on John's Gospel, Chapter 15. John compares the kingdom of God to a vineyard, and as branches on Christ's vine, we are to abide in Him so that we will bear much fruit. Here in our congregation, we are working together spreading the Gospel (the "Good News" of Jesus Christ) so that our Grace and Glory vineyard may produce a bountiful harvest.

Grace an Glory was begun by a nucleus of dedicated people.God has blessed their effort, so that over the years, membership has grown, ministry has expanded and services to the people of Fluvanna have increased. The seed was planted and, as in a vineyard, the vines must be nurtured so that they remain healthy and continue to grow.

The nurturing takes on many forms - continued studying and hearing of God's word as well as commitment to give our offerings of time, abilities and money. It is the hope of the Stewardship Committee that you will see your effort as a labor of love - love of God who first loves us and love for one another, as we work together in God's vineyard.

On coming Sundays you will hear more about the program, and on Sunday, October 17, we will celebrate the harvest when we bring our 2011 commitments to be placed before the altar. The following offertory sung in many churches seems especially appropriate.

"Let the vineyards be fruitful Lord, and fill to the brim our cup of blessing. Gather a harvest from the seeds that were sown that we may be fed with the bread of life."

Our team wishes to open your ears and hearts to the full meaning of Stewardship during the five weeks between September 19 and October 17.

What is Stewardship?

Stewardship is an integral part of every Christian's life. It is founded in the belief that all that we have, all that we receive, comes from God. We are stewards or caretakers of what God has given to us.

The Bible assigns great importance to the roll of a steward. A steward is not the owner, but one who cares for that which belongs to another. It is a position of great responsibility, since the steward is to use the owner's possessions wisely and well.

Our Stewardship Goal

The goal of Grace and Glory's stewardship ministry is to help our members grow in their relationship with Christ through the use of their time, talents and finances that God has entrusted to them.

Our Stewardship Beliefs

Each of us is a steward - we have all received special gifts from God and each of us is unique in some ways. Each of us has something to offer, to contribute to the ministry of Grace and Glory in carrying out the work of God's church in this place. Through our use of what he has first given us, we strive to become more deeply committed disciples of the Body of Christ.

In response to God's generosity and love, as stewards, we also gratefully return to Him a portion of what we received as an act of worship and faith. We give freely out of our "first fruits".

Click here for the 'Giving Calculator'

Where do our Offerings Go?

Your weekly offering supports the mission of the whole ELCA doing God's work in the world.

Our Congregation shares a portion of our offering - called mission support - with the other two expressions of the ELCA. Mission support is the lifeblood of the work that God does through the ELCA.

Some mission support funds may return to our congregation in the form of grants, services, programs and resources.