News
Worshiping Generously Workshop Summary
By Elder Kerry Dowdy
Posted October 22, 2024
Kerry Dowdy, committee member of Encouraging Churches to Flourish Unit, provides a summary of the second workshop in the Worship Workshop Series
As part of the Encouraging Churches to Flourish Unit of Beaver-Butler Presbytery’s Worship Series, stewardship was the topic of the second workshop. This tough subject to tackle causes congregations to cringe. But it doesn’t have to be and presenter, Ellie Johns-Kelley, MRO of the Presbyterian Foundation, challenged us to talk tithing and stewardship. This lunch time Zoom workshop had about eight participants listening and learning. If you couldn’t attend, a recording is available and is posted on Beaver-Butler Presbytery’s YouTube channel.
There were many great take-aways to worshiping generously. Ellie took the sting out of stewardship by focusing on God and the generosity that God has graciously given us. Everything we need, God has provided. She stressed it is our role to give as our part of the life of the church and that this is not a transaction to get something.
People may feel guilted into giving and will contribute enough to satisfy that guilt. But giving generously has a different feeling and function. When you give with your heart to a ministry you believe in, you are supporting that ministry that loves and cares for people. We are returning some of the generosity that God has bestowed upon us.
Churches tend to talk about giving once a year, but Ellie suggested discussing stewardship more frequently using stories about the church’s ministry and mission. Think about the hymn “I Love to Tell the Story,” and then tell yours! Why is church important to you and what joy do you receive? Ellie told us that we want to raise awareness of church ministries and what better way than by several congregation members proclaiming them? Our stories of the church’s ministry reflect our stewardship and the mission of the church.
Ellie provided many ways people can give monetarily—online, in person, bequeaths, stocks, and even retirement plan distributions. There are other ways to contribute to the church as well.
What stood out for me is when Ellie had us visualize a three-legged stool when we think about worshiping generously. The three legs are time, talent, and resources which are all needed for the stool to stand. Giving is more than just a resource of money, it’s volunteering your time and providing your expertise where you feel called.
Thank you to Ellie for preparing this slideshow on stewardship and all those who have or will listen later to this presentation. Please contact the Presbytery for more information or to connect with Ellie Johns-Kelley.
