Give

The Art of Giving

Your friend and my friend, Pastor Keith Lentz, is an artist. Did you know that? He’s not boastful about it, of course, but I have seen several of the drawings and paintings Keith has done and I am somewhat amazed. Oh, I’m not amazed that Keith can do these things; I’m amazed that, at 74 years of age and already an accomplished artist, Keith would sign up for art classes under Cami Polzin’s tutelage. But I think it get it: Art is a gift that must continually be developed.

I asked Keith if I could share that story because I believe it parallels our path of stewardship. Most of us come into this world not being very generous. Some of the first words we utter in the sandbox are “Mine! Mine!” Some of the greatest concerns that trouble us in adolescence are “Will there be enough for me?” Left unchecked, this concern for self can morph into a spirit of selfishness and a refusal to share anything. And yet, most of us have had the gratification of sharing a cold drink with a thirsty person, a meal with a hungry person, or a gift with a needy child.

The art of giving needs to be developed! We need to understand why we share; we need to consider why it is that we have much while others have little. And when we give, and discover that we have enough, we might be compelled to give more, and realize that still we have enough. But if we choose to ignore developing this gift, we run the risk of becoming miserly and, might I add, miserable people, who never learned the joy of giving.

This autumn’s stewardship emphasis is entitled “The Art of Giving.” Through sermons, temple talks, letters and legends, each of us will be challenged to develop our gift. And not just gifts of money; we will also focus on sharing our talents and abilities within the church and beyond, and share some of the 168 hours that are given to us each week. The focus begins on Sunday, October 2nd and concludes on Sunday, November 20th. During this time, someone will bring to your home “A Giving Bag.” It will contain all that you need to know about sharing your gifts – time, talent and treasure – with Our Savior’s Lutheran Church. It is my prayer that you will consider this as an opportunity to grow in faith, grow in love, and grow in giving. I believe there is an artist within each of us; the canvas awaits our response!

Pastor Steve