Stewardship
The short answer is THE PRESENCE OF GOD
The short answer is THE PRESENCE OF GOD, but the story doesn’t end there.
I see the presence of God in our patrons and volunteers on Tuesday nights. A few weeks ago, one of our patrons told me his story. He said, “I started coming here about 3 or 4 years ago. I ain’t got nothing, but the people here are real nice. I used to have lots: I was a cop at the railroad, I had a wife, a house, two cars and a boat, But I also had a drinking problem and guns and drinkin’ don’t mix.My wife died a few years ago, now I’m lucky to own the shoes on my feet. But here at All Saints, they’re real nice, they just take you as you are.”
I also feel the presence of God in our clergy. As you know, I had a wild and interesting summer. I was diagnosed with 5 cranial aneurysms, and successfully made it through 2 surgeries and 12 weeks off work, I’m still not sure which one was harder!. Within the first two days of hospitalization, I had 4 clergy members visit me.The first time I opened my eyes, Bonnie was stand-next to the bed—she held my hair back as I was getting ill, prayed over my head giving me comfort and strength.The next time I opened my eyes, Kevin was there. He too prayed over my head and gave me great comfort. Before I knew it, both Andrea and Dan were there as well—just to be there, to be present for whatever we needed. Bonnie subsequently sat with my family during my first surgery, and sat with my mother as they took me in for the second.
And Kevin was there too—he got to hear me yell at the Neurosurgeon who stupidly asked “how’s your head feeling?” as I came out of anesthesia! And he brought communion to my home so that I could share in the feast.
When Bonnie or Kevin weren’t there, Jeannie, our chaplain was. Not only did she check on me every day, she checked on and sat with my family—providing great comfort and caring.
Finally, I feel the presence of God in each and every one of you. Many of you came to visit me at the hospital and at my home—bringing your children who bring me such joy, or dropping off an unexpected meal and staying for two hours chit chatting! Two of you even came to the hospital, went to 3 different rooms until you found me, and sang a song that you wrote for me—completely off key!
I received countless cards and phonecalls—offers of help, offers of your time, and all of your prayers. Collectively, this community sustained me in the scariest most vulnerable time of my life.
So that’s why I give my time, my talent and my treasure to All Saints—because I feel the presence of God in our Tuesday night patrons. I feel the presence of God in our clergy. And I feel the presence of God in each and every one of you.
I think Matthew said it the best, “For wherever your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”
Thank you.