In October I preached on Paul’s letter to the church in Corinth in which he wrote about spiritual gifts. In the case of the Corinthian church, some members insisted that their gifts were more important than any others’ gifts. We certainly do experience that kind of arrogance in our time, but we also do harm when we do not value our own gifts. If sin is anything that separates us from God, I would say that being arrogant to the point of thinking we are more like God than others is a sin. And I would say that not valuing or using our God-given gifts for the common good is not valuing God. And doesn’t that get in the way of our relationship with God?

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In a faith community like CHCC we have the opportunity to celebrate each other’s gifts and share our own. It should be a place where we can discover our gifts and see the impact they have on this community and, hence, the world! When we offer our gifts to CHCC – be they time, talent, or treasure – we are becoming one in the body of Christ, not just with the current membership at CHCC, but with Christians across the globe and through time. We’re a part of that when we give to CHCC! Each of our gifts matter, each has an impact, each is required for the body of Christ to be whole.

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This stewardship season we are reminded that stewardship is what we do with the gifts God gives us. As we sing to God every Sunday, “All that we have is thine alone, a trust, o Lord, from thee.” God trusts us to steward the time, talents, and treasures that God gives us for the common good. What has God trusted you with to use for the common good? How could that gift have an impact on CHCC, which offers a place to worship God every Sunday, supports local organizations like New Beginnings and Church of Another Chance, and participates in the wider body of Christ through five special UCC offerings?

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You have the power and opportunity to be a part of that in this stewardship season! This is your opportunity to pledge a little more of your treasures to help maintain a building that is used regularly for AA meetings, soup kitchen preparations, worship, and fellowship. This is your opportunity to offer some of your time to aid a committee that coordinates worship or Christian education or missions. This is your opportunity to add your special talent to the vibrant life and mission of CHCC. Not sure if your talent can be used for that purpose? I bet it can! Ask a church leader how your random gift can be a part of the body of Christ. This stewardship season we are all invited to ask ourselves, “How are we using our God-given gifts for the common good?”

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In Gratitude,

Pastor Alison