Lessons from the Vineyard
Over the past few weeks, the Sunday readings have had a common theme: vineyards. From inviting workers throughout the day to the vineyard, telling sons to work in the vineyard, and sending messengers over and over again to collect the harvest, Jesus' used stories about vineyards to teach people about God.
God is good and generous.
God's grace is abundant and a gift for all.
God reveals God's love for us through Jesus' words and actions.
God calls us to work in the "vineyard" too.
God is faithful [even when we are not].
As we enter into stewardship season this fall, I find myself pondering these stories and their connection to us and the stewardship of God's abundant gifts — especially the gifts of time, talent, and faith — and how Gods calls us to nurture and steward them well in our lives and in the church. (You knew I was going there, didn't you?)
First, the gift of time. Did you know that there are 168 hours in a week? That seems like a lot, right? But with work and school, sleep and chores, sports and activities, those hours get spoken for quickly. And, even though God has given us all the same number of hours every week, we each have different energy levels, commitments, and demands on our time. I know that my time feels stretched thin sometimes, and my down-time, family time, and Sabbath are precious to me. I also know that I could steward this gift of time better (and spend less of it on Facebook!). How about you? How are you stewarding and nurturing your time and energy these days?
Second, the gifts of talent. We use the word "talent" in our culture to mean a natural aptitude for something, like music or sports. We also can cultivate these gifts when we focus on something that brings us satisfaction or joy. Each of us have different talents and gifts that God has given us and calls us to share with God's people. As a pastor, I have a particular calling — to share God's Word and steward the sacraments — but I also have my own things that bring me joy, like hanging out with the kids at Grace or singing, and skills from my previous career, like editing and technology. How about you? How are you stewarding and nurturing your talents and skills?
Finally, the gift of faith. Through the Holy Spirit, God has planted within each one of us the gift of faith. Sometimes, my faith-vines are healthy and strong and produce the fruit of the spirit. Sometimes, the fruit isn't the good kind or I don't want to share it. And sometimes, I admit, my faith-vines are a little anemic and need extra care and attention — water, sunshine, fertilizer — by spending time in God's Word and in community among God's beloved people. How about you? How are you stewarding and nurturing the gift of faith?
At Grace, we have many wonderful ministries that are full of faith, energy, giftedness, and joy. Ministries that reflect and share God's love in Jesus Christ through worship, education, outreach, and service. All that ministry doesn't happen by magic — it needs people to thrive. As part of the stewardship campaign this year, along with your financial commitments, I invite you to ponder two questions:
How can this community of faith help to support you in nurturing these gifts from God?
How can you share God's abundant gifts with others?
You are invited to participate in God's mission through the ministries of Grace in ways that spark, nurture, and sustain you as a follower of Jesus and enable all of us to share God's love with others. Thank you for sharing your gifts of with Grace this year and in the years to come!
Lord Jesus, You have gathered us together in this place. You have called us to share what you have given us for the sake of the world. Gather our gifts and commitments. Bless and multiply them; spread them through this congregation, our community, and indeed the entire world so that we – and others – may know the many gifts of grace with which you embrace us. Remind us again and again that in your death and resurrection, we DO have grace more abundantly than we can even recognize. In love and gratitude, we pray in your holy name. Amen.
Amen and amen and amen! Thanks be to God!
Pastor Tania
