Stewardship 2026: Beyond the Offering Plate
In a series of reflections on stewardship called “Beyond the Offering Plate”, one of the discussion questions is, “how do members of your congregation accompany one another?”
I love this question. It’s like asking “how do we steward our relationships of worshiping and being the church together?”
I witnessed this first-hand with our 9th grade confirmation class that just affirmed their baptism. These students lean into relationships. They care for each other. They learned that our emphasis on grace is vital to how we forgive one another and forgive ourselves. One student, Maci, sees how the church models grace through being open and welcoming to everyone, even if people don’t feel like they deserve it.
She’s right. Faith Lutheran is grace-filled in our generosity. Through our financial giving or donations of items. Through our service to the neighbors, like our first Community Resource fair in March. Through prayer ministry or music leadership; teaching Sunday School and confirmation or attending fellowship events. Faith is known for our hospitality. When things happen in the community, the community turns to us.
Starting November 9, we kick off our 2026 Stewardship Drive with the theme "Beyond the Offering Plate: Seeking the Welfare of the City." During the Babylonian exile, the prophet Jeremiah addressed the Israelites with a different message than they desired. The people wanted to hear, soon “everything is going to return to what it used to be.” Instead, Jeremiah told them to embrace the way the world is and lean into the welfare of the cities that they were dwelling in. Take care of your neighbors and they will take care of you.
We are known as a church seeking the welfare of the city by aiding the well-being of our community members. This reflects your ministry. Thank you for continuing to support our shared ministry going into 2026!
We invite you to prayerfully submit your included 2026 Statement of Intent by completing it online or placing it in the offering during worship on November 23rd.
On November 23rd, we welcome Bishop Lull to our worship and then celebrate with Turkey Bingo beginning at 10:30!
Bishop Lull will share a message of hope as she reflects on her time of leadership and what awaits us as the church. Our giving makes a difference. Our faithful support of the needs of youth, the unsheltered, the hungry, and the impoverished guides Christ’s mission for this church. Thank you for living out this call!
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