Stewardship Kick Off
Matthew 6.25-33
October 17/18, 2009
A sermon on stewardship that is a collaborative effort between Jimmy Hartman, one of the youth of Messiah and Pastor Aileen Robbins:
PA: Good morning. As you all know, today is the first day of our annual stewardship campaign. This year we have a great program in store for you—an opportunity to dig deep into your pockets and give til it hurts for God…….
JH: (singing H.M.)
PA: Where is that noise coming from? Is that some sort of radio interference? Who’s singing during my sermon?! As much as I love the Lion King, I don’t think that’s appropriate in worship. Really, where is that coming from? It’s disruptive. This is important, I can risk that you miss a word of this sermon…Jimmy Hartman, is that you singing?
JH: Pastor Aileen, what on earth are you talking about? This is really boring and it’s all about money. Is stewardship all about money?
PA: Well, not really. Stewardship is about so much more than money. We are called to be caretakers of all that God has created—the world, God’s people, each other. We are to use our gifts and talents to serve God at church and at school, at home and at work. Money is a big part of stewardship but I guess it’s not the only part. But, Jimmy, you’re distracting me again. I’m trying to talk about money here.
JH: Then let’s talk about more than money. Let’s talk about all that God has given us. God provides us with all these great things that everyone can see, use and enjoy; like friendship, our natural environment, our families, pizza….
PA: OK, OK, I hear you. Yes, yes, yes, God is good. God provides all sorts of things for us. We have warm homes, children, pets, talents that we get to use in our vocations, etc, etc, etc. I got it. I know this stuff. I don’t need some kid telling me about stewardship. So, if you don’t mind, Mr. Hartman, I’d like to get back to talking about money.
Like I was saying, folks, we are indeed blessed and so we should give….
JH: Pastor Aileen, I don’t really think you get it. The way you’re talking, you’re going to make people worried about what they give.
PA: They should be worried. If they don’t give enough, the church is going to be in trouble!
JH: But they shouldn’t give because they’re worried or guilty. Jesus says that we shouldn’t worry about the things of life that can bother us—about things that stop you from being yourself. You shouldn’t worry about things that could keep you from worshipping God. God has taken care of ALL of our needs and we should put serving God first.
PA: So, you’re saying that being worried about a church budget or church programs shouldn’t be the first thing we think about when we consider what we give to the church?
JH: No, in fact, sometimes the best things we give, come from the heart and not the wallet.
PA: EXCUSE ME!! If you keep talking like that, people are going to think they don’t need to give ANY money. SHHHHH.
JH: If anything, I’m saying the opposite. If we think about how much God has given us, I think we’ll want to give more. Just think about it, when I was in New Orleans, I was in such a great environment and in such a great place with God—I just knew that God was there for everybody, it made me happy to be in 100 degree heat, working on cleaning up a park with other believers. That all came from the heart. I wanted to do that, not because I had to, but because God was so good that I wanted to.
PA: I can’t argue with you on that. But Jimmy, you’re how old, 15? Do you have any idea how bad the economy is? Do you know what 8% unemployment does to a city? I have to admit, that while you have a point, you’re a bit idealistic. These folks are feeling the pinch and so, if you don’t mind, I’d like to get back to talking about their financial giving to the church.
JH: I just can’t let you do that. Don’t you get it? Scripture tells us that God takes care of the birds, giving them nests to live in and feathers to keep them warm. God gives the flowers beautiful colors. Why on earth should we worry about anything if God takes cares of the least of creation in that way? God loves us so much that he gave his son for us. If he did that for our salvation, why on earth wouldn’t he take care of the rest of our needs? And if God cares for our needs, isn’t it our job as stewards of God’s world, to make sure that all of the stuff God has provided for us is shared among everybody. Like food. There is plenty of food in the world so that everyone in every country can have enough. How is it that people in Rochester are hungry?
That’s what I’m talking about. Using all of our resources together to take care of God’s people here and across the world. No one should suffer from want or need. We have so much to share. Knowing that God cares for us, we want to respond in care for others—you know, showing them God’s love with our actions, our words and our gifts, talents and money! Do you get it yet, Pastor Aileen?
When I think about having the ability to sing and play the piano and the French horn—well, let’s just say, I’m a musical genius—I can’t wait to get together with the praise band or get to chorus or band. I love doing that. It’s a gift that God gave me and I want to share it with those who like to sing or play with me and with those who just like to listen. I bet everybody feels like that about the gifts and resources that God has given them.
PA: Yes, but do they understand tithing? I mean that’s an important part of stewardship and you haven’t even mentioned that in all this talk about caring and God providing!
JH: What the heck is tithing?
PA: Ha! Tithing is the Biblical requirement that you HAVE to give 10% of your income to God. What do you think about that?
JH: Or what’s going to happen if you don’t? Is Jesus going to climb down off the cross? Are lightning bolts going to strike the church?
What do I think? I think it sounds a bit silly to think of the God of the universe counting out the percentage of everything we put in the offering plate. I also remember that somewhere in the Bible we’re told that God loves a cheerful giver. And I still think, Pastor Aileen, that cheerful givers give because they first consider how wonderful God is and they respond to the free gift of forgiveness, love, grace and joy that comes from God.
Instead of worry, worry, worry, why don’t you tell them about savoring the good things that God gives us; enjoying the day and the moment and giving from the heart?
PA: Boy Jimmy, that would be so much easier. I really do like to talk about being joyful and faithful. I’d love to tell them that they should just appreciate the simple things in life. My favorite things are walking the dog with a good friend, or seeing the sunrise or being with my kids and husband. I like laughing with the confirmation class and listening to the choir sing or Willie play the organ. I really enjoy the simple things in life.
In fact, now that you mention it, our whole campaign this year is about going back to the simple things in life and appreciating them—the invitation Jesus gives us to follow him and be in his presence; working together with this congregation on wonderful activities, sharing all that we have. Those are wonderful experiences. They are all things we share when we are a community of faith.
We just don’t plain need to worry, do we, Jimmy? You are brilliant! We are called to strive first for the kingdom of God and God will take care of everything else.
JH: Finally, you’re getting it. When we strive for the kingdom of God it means that we’re already giving. I think, Pastor, what you are REALLY trying to tell us in the stewardship campaign is that this time of year we get to reflect on what God has done for us and what we can do for God. Don’t you all agree with me? Can’t you all think of something God has done for you even this week?
PA: I don’t think he wants you to keep it a secret. What are some of those things?
(wait for answers)
PA: That would be why you were singing that song! What does Hakuna Matata mean anyhow?
JH: (singing) It means no worries, for the rest of your days. It’s our problem free, philosophy, Hakuna Matata………
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