Taking Comfort in Rituals: A Call for Stewardship



Blog entry by: Adam Pachter, Stewardship Committee

I’m not a coffee drinker, but I do pass a local Starbucks on my way to Trader Joe’s, and earlier this year I saw a sign there that caught my eye. It said: “Take Comfort in Rituals.” And as we begin Stewardship Month at St. John’s, I find myself returning to that phrase.

What does the word “ritual” mean to you? As church members, I am sure that your first thoughts are of the Sunday service: the hymns and Esther’s beautiful organ music, Rev. Ramsey’s powerful sermons, the prayers, the peace, and of course the Eucharist. But I also think of other meaningful rituals that are part of our life as a parish. I think of taking my older daughter Lucy to Sunday school, of listening as Jeanne explains the Bible Lesson for the day and unveils another great craft or song for the children to share. I think of the time we spend in the church Nursery with other young members of the parish, listening to the service through the speaker there and then heading up to the Sanctuary in time for Communion. I think of the fellowship at Coffee Hour, the church table at Town Day, Easter Egg hunts on the lawn, and the Christmas Pageant. And, especially in the month of November, I also think of stewardship.

You see, stewardship too is a powerful ritual, an annual affirmation of our commitment to our church and our community. Throughout the year we are asked to give of our time, our talents, and our treasure—and it is through this stewardship that we make so many of our beloved rituals possible. Stewardship heats the church on a cold winter’s day, and brings the jazz music that makes our hearts sing in spring. Stewardship supports the children of St. Barnabas School in Haiti, as well as the children of the parish whose talents are on display each Youth Sunday. Stewardship keeps the lights bright and the candles lit, the elevator working and the organ in tune. Your prayers and stewardship make all the rest possible, and that is why this month in particular, as you consider your annual pledge, I ask you to make a strong and vibrant commitment to the stewardship of our parish. With your help, your prayers and pledges, the rituals of our parish will continue to bring us Christian care and comfort for many years to come.

Adam Pachter
Stewardship Committee

P.S. You’ve now read my thoughts on stewardship, but I would love to hear your own. Please let me know what stewardship means to you (or comment below), and I will post some of those thoughts on the Church blog later this month.