An introduction of Stewardship to the congregation

March 2010

The head of a Neighborhood Association heard a knock on his door. When he opened it he saw four children from the neighborhood holding a coffee can. They handed the can to the man and told him that they had been selling lemonade and wanted to donate the money for the recreation area, which needed maintenance.

When the children left, he opened the can and counted out $48.88. He was dumbfounded! The neighborhood had 99 homes with a common recreational area consisting of a swimming pool, soccer field, playground, etc. Each family living in the planned community had the responsibility of paying a certain fee to keep the common area in good shape, but the cost of the upkeep had gone up and this meant each family needed to pay more or else let the area deteriorate.

This caused controversy in that community. Some approved a fee increase and others fought it. It was not a happy time for any family there. The kids had heard about the need and wanted to do their bit to keep the recreational plot in good shape. So they sold lemonade and gave their profit to the project.

The children had contributed their time, talent, and money to the needed project and thus had been good stewards. Ultimately, their parents followed their example and the park was preserved!

Prayer: Dear Lord, help us to understand that the world becomes a better place when we each use our God-given gifts in service and love for the good of mankind. Amen.