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Speech on Thanksgiving Sunday, 11/22/2009 – By Selene Lyons
I am here today to share with you some of my more meaningful experiences that I’ve had at this Church. Most of these meaningful experiences come by simple conversations shared over coffee hour, before and after committee meetings, with other volunteers during a special event and with other members who have kids like myself and are also trying real hard to find that balance between work, family and relaxation.
Over the years I have been called to serve on the Outreach, Blue Ribbon & Communion Committees, Deacons, and Trustees. My family also hosted some members of the African Children’s Choir in our home, where I learned more about the power of prayer and God’s blessings in my life. What I have realized is that these activities bring me closer to God. It opens my eyes and wakens my soul. In fact, you, my church family bring me closer to God.
The beautiful music sung by Carol Soucy and played by Ken on my Wedding Day, the nice conversation over dinner with Sam and Ruth Knowles when they opened up their home to us when we first joined the Church, the beautiful cards and well wishes from the children & youth in our church when I was pregnant with Connor, the women’s retreats where stories of God’s presence were shared by all, what great a time that was!
The numerous Thanksgiving basket deliveries to the folks in our community who need it most or the Christmas presents donated by my church family and wrapping them all up only to deliver them to a group home who otherwise may be going without. The caring touch of Martha Aldrich in times of sadness after the loss of my Dad and to all that attended the wake and funeral to support me and my family in one of my most difficult times.
The thoughtfulness of Eleanor Bruso and Dot Brawley always to take the time to ask how the boys were doing. Once I made a comment about how nice someone’s serving utensils were at a potluck supper only to find them wrapped in a beautiful napkin the following Sunday and given to me by Jane Tibbetts because she thought I would enjoy them more than her.
Having so many fond memories of the advent service, making ornaments, seeing my children grow up with other children surrounded by the love and guidance of the Sunday school teachers. The sharing of stories from other parents, who like us, are all wanting their children to grow up knowing God’s presence and love. The well wishes and prayers from everyone for Ethan when he was undergoing some surgery 2 years ago. The time spent on the phone with Farrah DeSelle who could offer only words of encouragement to me while making the tough transition of daughter to care-giver for my Mom. For the Women’s Spiritual Journal Club and the thought provoking exchange of spiritual encounters.
After 18 years, I am standing here to day to tell you how blessed I am to be called to share with you a small fraction of what I have gained from all of you, my Church Family.
My Church Family, My Relationship with God and My Commitment to be a Christian. It is definitely a work in process. God last week sent me an angel when I was shopping at the Christmas tree shop, of all places, while I was on a desperate hunt for birthday favors. What I took away from this encounter is a stronger understanding about commitment to the Church family and questioning the meaning of Stewardship.
Let’s start with commitment to the Church family. This person raised a very valid question. Commitment is easy when things are going well …, but what about when things aren’t going so well …; do we leave, abandon, refrain from giving toward something that has been a very meaningful and important to our lives?
For me, this Church is a place I love. I was baptized here and so were my children, in fact you all took an oath to support and guide us. My wedding was here, my father’s memory was raised here.
Giving and receiving, receiving and giving. For me, the answer to the question is easy, I pray and pray and eventually God will give me an answer of should I stay or should I go, but until then, I am a Christian and I want to be there for my Church family in a time of need. Some of us give things up for Lent; I stand here today to tell you that we have so much to be Thankful for at this Church. I along with my family plan on giving because I know that it is the responsible thing to do.
Time, talent, and Treasure. We are all Stewards of God’s blessings. Stewardship, simply means to manage someone else’s property. For the Christian, Scripture proclaims that everything belongs to God and we have the responsibility of managing it. I think the duty of a Christian is learning how to become a responsible steward of God’s resources entrusted into our care. It means to manage everything to the best of our abilities in the glory of His name.
If I take my Christian learnings and ignore them, how much of a Christian am I really??? If I acknowledge these learning’s, it may be difficult or uncomfortable, but I will surely grow and be blessed. I know. It has happen to me over and over.
You see, this Church which houses all of us to worship and do in His name, still needs your support. Until being on the Trustees, I did not understand all the details, expenditures and resources needed to keep the doors of this Church open. And now that we are heading into the budget process, I know the careful thought that takes place in the planning of the resources. Again, another example of stewardship…Scott Thornton, our Budget Manager working together with the board. The hours, the time and the commitment all for this beautiful building that provides shelter for all of us to do God’s work and for fellowship. The Nominating Committee and Search Committee…a very busy time for both groups, the dedication and tenacity to seek and to ask, praying for the right people to step up and help guide our Church, now more than ever. I am going to add to this list, Paul Hoff and the Stewardship Committee who designed this beautiful brochure explaining some, and I stress some of the work we do at this Church. The thought, the care and the talent seen is fabulous.
So here comes the pink elephant! Some of you have told me that a Stewardship campaign this year is the wrong thing to do for various reason’s that I will choose today not to get into.
This is how I see it. It is the perfect year, the most important year, the most critical year in giving. For those that know me well, time management is not one of my strong points, talent is on the short list and money for me is about sacrifice. Today, I have been called. I have shared with you something personal, something that makes me, me. It is an example of what having faith has brought to my soul.
For all the reason’s that I have mentioned to today, for the meaning of being a good ‘Steward” because God has blessed me with so much and because I am a Christian, I believe it is my duty now more than ever to give.
It is Thanksgiving Sunday, I am blessed, because I have my health, my loving husband of 16 glorious years, my two beautiful boys and all of you!
Consider your blessings and ask yourself if you can do more for our Church family.
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