Stewardship

Stewardship is a complete lifestyle, and therefore not just about raising money to repair a roof or the organ. It is a life of total accountability and responsibility, acknowledging God as Creator and Owner of all. Stewards, as disciples of Jesus Christ, see themselves as caretakers of all God's gifts. This includes our gifts of earth and creation, our liturgy, our lives, our time, talents and treasure.

Gratitude for these gifts is expressed through prayer, worship, action and offering, and by eagerly sharing these gifts out of our love of God and in justice with one another.

Stewardship is "what I do, with all that I have, after I say, I believe.

Diocesan Stewardship Prayer

Almighty God,
We thank you for creating us: You provide all that we need.
Pour out Your Spirit upon us and empower us to be
good stewards of your creation.
Show us a new vision for Your Body,
in which love and care
are central to Your work.
Guide us to share what You have so generously given.
Enable us to extend the work of Your Church in the world.
Challenge and encourage us to give joyously of what we have received.
Through Jesus Christ, our Lord,

Amen

Role of the Stewardship Committee

The members of the Diocesan Stewardship Committee are promoting the idea of stewardship as the use of our time, talent and treasure in the service of the Church. There is an abundance of time, talent and treasure in the Diocese to make the Church a vibrant spiritual presence in people's lives. First we have to believe it is possible and, secondly, we have to possess the conviction to deliver on our beliefs. The benefits will accrue to parishes that participate in stewardship development with conviction and the overall effect will be renewed spiritual growth in the Diocese.

Last year at the request of Bishop Pitman, the Committee drafted a Ministry Plan for the Diocese which was subsequently approved at Synod 2005. This plan has become a blueprint for the Diocese and several committees under the direction of The Ven. Geoff Peddle have been struck as a result to deal with a number of issues.

The role of the Diocesan Stewardship Committee over the next few months will be to review the various stewardship education plans that are being used elsewhere in the Church and to make recommendations to our Parishes about them. In addition, the Committee will provide a list of resources and various communication strategies to achieve our stewardship goals. This information will be circulated to parishes for comments as they become available. It is important to remember that the committee will require the prayers, support and constructive criticism of all clergy and lay of our church if we are to succeed in this vital task.

Kevin Smith, Chair
Diocesan Stewardship Committee
10 Strawberry Marsh Road
St. John's, NL A1B 2V4
Phone: 739-5667
E-Mail: k_smith@nf.sympatico.ca