Prayer
- For Wise use of Talents
Almighty
God, you have blessed each of us with unique gifts,
and have called us into specific occupations, relationships,
and activities using those gifts. Enable us
to use our talents to witness to our faith in you
and to communicate your love to the people we meet
each day. Empower us to be ministers of reconciliation,
love, hope, and justice. Keep us steadfast in
our commitment to serve actively in your name; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen
(Occasional
Services, Augsburg, 1982, p. 148)
Gift
of Talent - Christian stewardship
is using the gifts God has given us, to do the work
God is calling us to do. Discerning and carrying
out God's purpose is the primary purpose of our lives.
The primary role of the church is to guide individuals
in discernment of the mission for their lives and
the use of their resources in accomplishing it.
Do you hear a call to be truer to your Christian beliefs?
Discerning
the Mission for your life
Stewardship
teaches that all that we have and all that we are is
a gift from God. We are, therefore, stewards of
God's gifts during our lifetime. Discerning and
carrying out God's purpose is the primary purpose of
our lives. The gifts we have been given, time,
talent, and money, are to be used for that purpose.
The primary role of the church is to guide individuals
in discernment of the mission for their lives and the
use of their resources in accomplishing it.
.
Key
Elements
-
The
primary objective
of the organization (church) is to bring people
into a closer relationship with God. Strengthening
relationships with individuals is an important part
of this but the goal is always to create an environment
in which the relationship with God is strengthened.
-
The
key strategy
is to encourage individuals to discern the gifts
God has given them and the work God is calling them
to do. God is the source of the mission and the
money. Both are gifts over which the giver exercises
faithful stewardship.
-
Giving
is taught as a significant spiritual
practice. The Church encourages
giving by providing a variety of opportunities to
give. Giving is also seen as a joyful response
to God's generosity to us.
-
Recognition
is seen as a means of witness. The
goal of recognition programs is to provide givers
with an opportunity to express their faith and encourage
others.
At
the heart of the ministry of each faith community is
assisting people to discover the unique gifts embedded
in them by the Creator -- gifts that allow them to respond
to God's call to serve as partners in living out the
dream of the Reign of God in the world.
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