Stewardship is about relationship -- First our relationship with God, from whom all blessings flow. In right relationship, we put God at the very center of our being. With God at the center, every other relationship settles into its right place, including:

Our relationship with our time, talents and treasures. We don't own our time -- it's given to us to use wisely as we walk on the earth. Most people find it easy to think of time in this way, but it's harder to think of talents and treasures in terms of things we don't own, aren't entitled to, and have no right to hoard. Giving to your congregation and the wider church is an important part of stewardship because ministry can be done in God's name when we join our resources to spread the Good News and help those in need.

Our relationship with the earth. The earth is God's and produces an abundance of the essentials of our lives. Food, water, air, resources for keeping warm and building shelter. The earth belongs to God but is entrusted to us to use. Stewardship involves thoughtful consumption of resources so all will have enough and the processes that sustain life will not be harmed.

Our realtionship to others. Jesus commanded us to love God first and then our neighbor as ourselves. In a world where greed, anger, hatred and selfishness abound, stewardship calls us to embrace God's love more fully, that we may embrace others.

Stewardship is a journey. Like all faith disciplines, stewardship takes awareness, prayer and patience. Each journey begins with one step. Begin your stewardship journey now. With the help of the Holy Spirit, you can do it! As always (although never said frequently enough): THANK YOU for your continued gifts of your time, talents and treasures on behalf of Bethany's many ministries

Thrivent Financial for Lutherans Offers "Simply Giving." Simply Giving is an automated giving program designed to help Thrivent members conveniently and consistently contribute to your congregation as well as other Lutheran institutions. It is a relibale and safe way to give your gifts through a pre-authorized withdrawal from your bank account or credit card. Information and Enrollment Procedures can be found on the Information Table in the Chapel.