“I appeal to you, siblings, by the mercies of God, to present yourselves as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” Romans 12:1
I love how this passage talks about how WE are the sacrifice to God, presenting ourselves holy and acceptable to God. This is how we give back to God. Time, talent and treasure are important, but only because those are parts of our whole selves. Stewardship then becomes about trusting God with our whole lives and letting God shape and guide us.
When I graduated seminary in May, I moved to Cincinnati without a job lined up, trusting that God had something in mind for me. When I got a call from Rev. Allison, I knew that God was calling me to Calvary. When I interviewed with Rev. Allison, God confirmed my hunch: Calvary was going to be my place.
Each Sunday, I show up, put on my alb, and present my offering of service in Eucharist and leading the youth group. I am reminded I am in the place where I am supposed to be, attempting to present myself as a living sacrifice to God. I believe the gamble of letting God shape my life for my move to Cincinnati worked out the way God intended.
I invite you to reflect on what brought you to Calvary. Maybe something – or someone – nudged you here. Maybe once you arrived, you sensed the presence of God during worship. Maybe you love the welcoming people or the beautiful music or beautiful space. As you reflect on what keeps you coming to Calvary, hold those things in mind during this stewardship season. Whether you give yourself as a living sacrifice in time, talent, treasure or some other part of your whole self, let that be your spiritual worship.
Stephanie Townes
Youth Minister
