Today we
salute our Shiloh Ushers on this their annual
celebration. Over the years, the Shiloh Ushers
have been some of our most faithful disciples.
They serve tirelessly and selflessly. I have
said many times that I never have to make a
special request, whenever there is a funeral, a
special worship service or when we visit other
churches. The Shiloh Ushers are always ready
for service. God has sent us a wonderful group
of men and women who faithfully hold high the
Bloodstained Banner. We thank God for every
man, woman, boy and girl who has made ushering
their commitment at Shiloh.
Do we
understand what it means to be a steward?
Eerdmann’s Press will soon come out with a book
that redefines the notion of stewardship. All of
us know that stewardship is not just money, but
time, talent and resources. However, what Dr.
Ron Vallet, the author of this publication,
argues for is that stewardship is a lifestyle.
It is based on the Greek word “oikonome” which
is the root of the English word economy. During
feudal times it was used commonly for one who
was a manager of the owner’s property.
Dr. Vallet
contends that when it comes to our faith walk,
God is the owner of all, but God has entrusted
God’s creation to us to manage. We are therefore
the stewards of God’s creation. When understood
that way, our giving is only one small part of a
larger picture.
How do we care
for and nurture our relationships? How do we
watch over our planet and the environment? How
do we effectively utilize all of our resources
(not just a tenth) to further the work of the
Church? As we move into the new church year, I
hope and pray that all of us will begin to
understand the enormity of the responsibilities
given to us as God’s managers of creation as
God’s stewards.
