As part of our stewardship ministry at St. Mark's, we are learning how to articulate how God blesses us with everything we have, as well as our need to give back to God. This journal highlights some of the stewardship stories of St. Mark's. We hope you enjoy reading about our journey of becoming more faithful to God.
Monday, November 7, 2011 at 2:12PM Working at a money exchange in Waikiki gives me the opportunity to observe people and the way they handle their money. Some people are proud of their fortunes and take a bit of satisfaction in seeing it displayed across the counter. Others discretely pass me an envelope and make a request not to count their money out in the open.
Monday, November 7, 2011 at 2:09PM Though I must admit to never having been a very good student of history in school, I have, as an adult, developed a fascination for the type of living history related to us by those who actually lived it--not the names and dates in a textbook, but the oral accounts of the factory workers, soldiers, and homemakers who experienced events firsthand and can tell us what it was like to have been an ordinary person in extraordinary times.
Monday, November 7, 2011 at 2:05PM Of the three vows that all monastics take, poverty likely comes with the most baggage. While the other two vows-chastity and obedience-elicit their own powerful and primal responses as they concern sex and power, the vow of poverty governs the use of money, and money trumps them both.
Friday, October 28, 2011 at 2:28PM It is a universal human desire that we be remembered after our earthly pilgrimage has ended, and it is common to seek that remembrance through monuments and memorials to ourselves. Like idols, these monuments can take many forms: the physical--the Great Pyramids or buildings on college campuses named after generous donors--as well as the less tangible--extraordinary accomplishments in the workplace or on the athletic field or lives lived vicariously through friends, colleagues, and loved ones.
Wednesday, October 26, 2011 at 2:13PM My first memory of giving is my father handing me pennies to put in the collection plate on Sunday mornings. I felt so grown up for all of my three or four years of age. I remember too, bringing my offering to Sunday School, wrapped in a handkerchief. So started my life journey in the gift of giving, albeit with many fits and starts over the years.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011 at 1:57PM My father was the perpetual treasurer of a small Episcopal church in Minnesota. I grew up hearing firsthand the frustrations encountered by the treasurer of this parish and the meaning of stewardship. That term was not used. "Supporting the Church" was the terminology at that time.