10-04-23

ECCLESIOLOGICAL ETCHINGS
October 4, 2023
The other day, a fellow pastor said, “I hate stewardship! I hate trying to raise money for the church budget.” Well, first, the word ‘hate’ is pretty harsh. Second, stewardship has never really been about raising money. I know it can feel that way as there is a budget at the church, and there are bills to pay, monetary outreach to be sent, and paychecks to be written. But stewardship is really a way of living that acknowledges God as the Source of all that is good, love-inspiring, and life-giving. And our gratitude is expressed by seeking tangible ways to make that message come alive for other folks. I know a lot of people raise money for organizations/nonprofits, yet its only a job not a passion. I can’t imagine doing that. And though I should put all my cards on the table and name how part of the money the church brings in pays my salary, I still believe in this place! I believe in what is happening at Cypress Creek Christian Church. I have no problem talking about why I think what we are doing is incredibly important in this moment of time. There are other churches doing some really wonderful ministry, and they are helping to bring Good News to our community and beyond. Yet I have what I might call a sacred conviction that what we are currently doing and what we will be stretching ourselves to do are part of what God is doing and wanting us to do. In Psalm 16:11, we read:

You teach me the way of life.
In your presence is total celebration.
Beautiful things are always in your right hand.

I believe God is always beckoning us to join in the work of fulfilling the divine dream for creation, and when you feel as if you have found your place in that work, there is celebration. I know some people are still rather new to Cypress Creek Christian Church, but I am ready to have a conversation with anyone who would like to know more about who we are, what we are doing, and why I believe it is a God-inspired happening for this moment of time.

For the love you have bestowed upon this world and upon me, O Lord, I am beyond grateful. May this gift inspire within me a passion for what you are seeking to do in this moment of time. Too many people are acting as if love is a very scarce resource, and they are allowing too many people to be considered expendable in the grab for what is thought to be in short supply. Forgive us, Lord God, and sweep us into an experience of your limitless and relentless love that has not and will not ever be  lacking in quantity or expansiveness. Thank you for such a gift. Amen.