2024 Stewardship Campaign Kickoff Statement
SHOWING OUR GRATITUDE TOGETHER FOR GOD’S BLESSINGS!
Good morning. I’m Sandra Whetstone a member of the Stewardship Committee of the Outreach Division. The Stewardship Committee plans and implements the annual Campaign to support the programs and resources needed so that Southminster can continue to do God’s work in our little part of the world here in Oxon Hill and Ft. Washington. Southminster also contributes our time and resources to assist the National Capital Presbytery, Synod of the Mid-Atlantic, and General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church USA to accomplish mission goals in the DC area, Mid-Atlantic region, Nationally and globally to further God’s work.
This year those on the Stewardship Committee are: Sheree Bettis, Gail Tyler, Sandra Whetstone, Riene Esambe, Gwen Driggins & Janis McGeehan.
Last year our theme was Let Our Light Shine and I believe we were able to do that in our community and here at Southminster. We completed many projects successfully with your help when you shared your financial resources in addition to your time and talents. This year the theme for the 2024 Campaign is SHOWING OUR GRATITUDE TOGETHER FOR GOD’S BLESSINGS! The Bible verse we chose to support this theme comes from
2 Corinthians Chapter 9:11 – New International Version (NIV)
You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
God gives us blessings and gifts so that we can, in turn, give to others. God is the ultimate giver, and we are encouraged to re-gift His blessings. Our generosity will result in thanksgiving to GOD even by those who have not yet met Him.
As we look forward to the coming year, Session is asking us to consider giving our time and talents by joining a Division to help Southminster continue to do God’s work – to sow the seeds God has provided to us – to care for each other and those in our community. The Nurture Division might need someone who can help make phone calls to our missed members or to send cards to those in need of comfort or to celebrate a birthday. Sometimes they need assistance providing a meal to a member who had surgery or by bringing food to share at an event. The Outreach Division has opportunities for members to help once a month to stock the shelves at the Food Pantry or assist distributing food donations there or at Oxon Hill Elementary. The Christian Education division has a need for additional teachers and helpers in the Sunday School classes. The Administration Division oversees the operation of the whole building and welcomes help on their workdays or during the year to climb ladders to change light bulbs or do minor repairs. It does take a village to keep things running smoothly.
Of course, Session also hopes that we will share our financial gifts by pledging to give a stated amount for the coming year so we will have the needed resources to complete the projects we planned to fulfill God’s work in our community and congregation. Sometimes you might worry that you won’t be able to keep your commitment when you pledge but a pledge is a spiritual commitment, not a contract, so if your situation changes you can make adjustments. Pledges do help the Session make thoughtful financial decisions in the same way that a budget helps a family know what they can afford.
Over the next few weeks each Division will present a brief review of their accomplishments during the last year and will share any new goals for 2024. Please listen with an open heart and consider how you can help us SHOW OUR GRATITUDE TOGETHER FOR GOD’S BLESSINGS by re-gifting your time, talents, and resources. May God’s blessings enrich your life.
Let us pray
Dear righteous and gracious God, I believe that you will enrich us in every way for great generosity, and I pray that our giving will produce thanksgiving to you! Let our giving not only serve mankind but also glorify your name. Amen