This is a time of year when we start to think about our time, talents, and treasures. We make plans for how we will meet our remaining financial commitments for the year and we consider our commitments for the coming year.
In a way the money side of stewardship is easy to figure out. We have a certain amount of money that comes in and we need another certain amount of it to make our ends meet. The rest is a decision about what we can do without so that others might be able to benefit from our sacrifice. Of course, in the moment it never feels easy, but there’s a certain quantifiable-ness that goes with decisions like these.
Stewardship of talent and time seems to be a different animal. Perhaps the key is using some of the same ideas when we think about our treasure. What can we do without so that others might be able to benefit from our sacrifice? There are likely as many answers to this question as there are people in the world.
On the part of the amazing treasure trove of talent at St. Peter’s and how freely people share their time, I’m particularly grateful for how people dedicate their time and efforts to enlivening worship. At a time of the year when it would be all too easy to decide there was too much else going on in life (sports, marching band, family life, friendships, and homework included), there are easily 70 people who give their time and use their talents in service to music at St. Peter’s.
Whether it’s the New Day Band, a vocal Choir, Sunday School Music, or a handbell choir, music at St. Peter’s is supported by a large group of people consistently deciding to dedicate a part of their lives in service. Small decisions like these add up and when we all make them, it’s amazing what God can accomplish through us.
I know that some of you may be thinking, “Music just isn’t my thing.” That’s okay. Music is just one part of the work of the church in the world. My challenge to you is to make a consistent choice to forego a small personal desire and in its place do a small thing in service of the wider community. Such stewardship of time, talent, and treasure will surely give us a foretaste of the kingdom of God here and now.
