For myself, stewardship means using the resources and gifts God has given you individually and the body as a collective, in a responsible manner such that they are not only preserved but serve to grow the Kingdom. We are called to steward God's creation as well as our talents. As a church body, we are called to steward our building, money, energy and time towards the building of God's Kingdom. We cannot do everything, nor should we. Our church is blessed with an amazing building in a place many people would love to live. We are also blessed with a multi-talented congregation. We have to make wise decisions with these resources. 

I cannot summarize in such a short space the way in which I have been blessed by the stewardship of St. John's. I am reminded every Sunday of the wonderful sanctuary we have (particularly when the sun streams in during a service). I have greatly enjoyed the gifts of our congregants - Cameron's music/trivia/hospitality, Rita (and others!) plants, Karen's welcoming smile (and rotating collection of fascinators!), David's kind winks and greetings. I have also been touched by the healing prayer and compassionate conversations when I had to put my first dog Spur down. I have also been encouraged that the church is so involved in the community through hosting the Sea to Sky Singers, tot-time, 12-step meetings and other events. Simply put, God's Kingdom is furthered when people show hospitality, joy, compassion, tenderness and care for one another. 

Perhaps one story that stands out to me is a recent trivia night hosted at the church. I brought my 7 year old son Caden, who does tend to have difficulty sitting still. Cameron hosted the event so well and involved Caden so wonderfully, letting him press the button for the slides and promising him that he could help him come up with questions for the next event. This experience, along with all the other times Caden has come, has taught him a very important lesson - God's house is a place of kindness, acceptance, laughter and fun. God's Kingdom was present and grew in that space. 

 

 

Simon