Material resources are God-given tools, and God uses them in the hands of his people to accomplish his purposes, display his glory, and spread the gospel to the world.
Stewardship is frequently equated with the annual commitment campaign to fund church operations. The Biblical message is that stewardship is a lifestyle. Stewardship means “manage.” We are called, as followers of Christ, to “manage” all the gifts placed into our lives, including time, talents, spiritual gifts, relationships, creation, income and assets.
Stewardship is fundamental for Covenant Community Church to have the time, talents and resources to accomplish God’s mission and vision for our church.
Generosity is a matter of actions and intentions – it comes from the heart. One way to describe it is the grateful outpouring of gifts to others, out of our love for God.
God can use your uniqueness, even your limitations, weaknesses and eccentricities, to communicate God’s powerful presence and love.
Generous living is not just about writing a check, clicking an online button or even texting a donation – the acts of giving money, or even just about giving. It has to do with the whole of who we are as Christians – and how we care for our neighbors (see Mark 12:28-31). Each of us brings our heart, mind, soul, and strength. The Old Testament word for “heart” is literally the leaning or thrust of our lives. We might call it our lifestyle. In other words, it’s how we steward 100 percent of our lives, not just the “religious” sector or the percentage we give away.
Financial Resources
God blesses each of us in His way and only He knows why. However, how you use those financial resources is your decision and between you and God.
As we grow in faith, so do our feelings about giving of money and even sacrificial giving. We’ll leave the discussion of those topics to the Pastor. No matter where you’re at in your faith journey, we’re glad to have you at Covenant and welcome you if you don’t have a church. We’re thankful for what people give to Covenant.
• Regular Giving – Attendees and members give to Covenant in many ways – the Sunday offering, mailing of checks, online giving, donation texting and online programs that give back money to Covenant. You should always be praying about what you’re able to, and willing to give. As we grow in faith, so does our cheerful giving. If you’ve made a commitment during the stewardship campaign and things change in your life, we understand. If you need to revise your commitment, please let us know. If you hit the lottery, got that well deserved raise, or found lost treasure – you may wish to consider revising your commitment amount.
• Special Offerings and Mission Needs – Covenant is part of the Evangelical Presbyterian Church (EPC) and support programs of that organization. Covenant also supports independent mission programs around the world and in our community. You can be part of this larger program by providing one-time or ongoing financial support.
• Deacon’s Fund – Covenant Deacons are the worker bees of our church. They provide all kinds of services to our congregation and community. You can read more about the Deacons on the Deacons Ministry Web Page.
• Children and Youth Programs – Covenant has vibrant and healthy programs for kids of all ages. We send many to spring and summer camp. Most parents pay for they kids to go but some simply can’t. You can sponsor one or more kids through our scholarship program. Vacation Bible School (VBS) is a way for kids to learn about God through fun and activities. Here again, financial and personal support are always welcome. Senior high students undertake the task of traveling to Mexico each year to build a house for a family. You can support our youth by attending fund raising events or directly through donations
Time, Talent and Resources
Attending, or membership at Covenant Community Church offers every person the opportunity to step out in faith and use those things that God has given you. Stewardship is the act of utilizing those God given items in a beneficial way.
To be a vibrant and impactful congregation, congregational members need to pray about where they fit into the moving parts of the church. What talent do you have? How much time can you give? What dollar amount should you pledge to the finances of God’s church? Should you reach deeper and donate to specific programs in addition to your annual giving?
These are questions and decisions we all struggle with. Not everyone can hit a nail squarely on the head or repair a light switch. But most can pull weeds, push a broom, read to a child, care for an infant, make coffee, greet others at the door, pass the basket during the offering, donate to the Deacon’s fund, buy a ticket to support a mission program, give a person a ride to the doctor – and the list just keeps on going.
• Sunday Worship Service – What you see on Sunday morning is merely the culmination of hours of planning and work by a whole host of volunteers and paid staff. Things don’t just happen. Someone opened the doors and turned on the heat. Others powered up the sound system and lights. Some stand outside and welcome you as you arrive. Others greet you and hand you a bulletin, tell visitors where child care is or how to get to the bathroom. Singers and musicians warm up and recall the hours they put in the past week rehearsing. The Pastor reviews Bible passages and the prepared sermon. Others came early and put on the coffee. During service a few will sneak out and set up cookies and treats. And after we’ve Celebrated God through song and worship and Connected with each other – we head out into the world to affect positive Change, others will be restocking the sanctuary chairs, cleaning coffee pots, emptying the trash and locking up. It takes a team to pull off Sunday Worship Services.
There’s a place for you here. Pray about your time and talent and how you can pitch in.
• Building and Grounds – Are you handy with a hammer? Maybe plumbing or electrical is something you can do? Or maybe you’re a planner and general all purpose type of person? Of do you have a green thumb. There’s always a place on Building and Grounds for new people, no matter how much time or talent you have, or don’t have.
• Infants, Children (Kids) and Students – Covenant is a vibrant place on Sunday mornings and other times during the week due to the presence of our youth. If you enjoy being around these young ones then you’re encouraged to talk with one of the Ministry Directors and see where you fit in. If you’re not one that can or will participate in those programs, then consider support in other ways.
