Stewardship

I had a few requests to see my presentation to my congregation regarding stewardship. It is a little lengthy but I am happy to share so here it is:

My name is Peter Bourey and I’ve been a member of St Timothy’s for over 20 years now. You have been treated to a couple of speakers before me who have done a wonderful job talking about what St. Timothy’s has meant to them and why it’s an important part of their lives.

So let me give you a short story about my history here at this place. When my previous wife Karen and I moved to Raleigh we shopped for a church that represented our Christian roots and beliefs. St Timothy’s was a natural and easy choice for us. The rector at that time, Fr. Hale was gracious and welcoming to us and we knew we were home.

We had a little baby, Marlee who also eventually fell in love with this church. Quite honestly, I was not regularly attending at the start. This changed for me with the introduction of our new incoming rector, Fr. James. I quickly grew to learn that he and I were lock-step in our faith. I knew I was home and I knew I wanted to do more. I really didn’t wait to be asked to get involved. It just seemed natural for me.

I went through a pretty horrific event with the death of my wife Karen but all the while St. Timothy’s was right there with me helping me in many ways. Instead of asking questions about the whys, my faith grew, and grew because of this magnificent church family. I have since been blessed to get remarried here to a wonderful woman, Linda and watched my baby girl become a woman who now, incidentally, teaches other children in Wake County!

In November of 2007, my wife Linda was given the news that she had cancer. It was another daunting test of my faith. Frankly my wife handled the whole thing better than I. In the end however, our faith, a faith which has been nurtured here at St Timothy’s saw us through it all. Frankly there is no way to attach a value to all the support both Linda and I received during that difficult time.

One of the attributes of this great church is that its parishioners have always shown an incredible generosity. Some parishioner’s generosity doesn’t end even after their death. A recent example of this is a gift given by Alice Levoff, a portion of which went to repair and restore our chalices. I know you’re listening Alice and thank you! Check out our angel tree at Christmas and see how long those little angels hang on the tree. We, as your Vestry, are constantly reminded of just how generous you can be. That being said, we are in unchartered territory when it comes to this economy. It has affected us all. I would just encourage you to consider St Timothy’s as one of your priorities.
I have been serving on the Vestry a number of years now and also am privileged to be your current Senior Warden. I have tried to be as active in the many church groups as possible which has enriched my life. Why bore you with my life’s story here you may ask? Quite simply I am trying to convey to you how I have received much more from this church than I will ever be able to repay. This church should be your companion for life to get you through the hard times and to help you celebrate the good times. St Timothy’s has been just that for me and my family.

This whole series of talks will hopefully stir you all to understand that this church is more than 4 walls with electric bills, water bills, payrolls to meet and all of the other practical necessities. It is your Christian partner for life. With this partnership comes a certain responsibility on everyone’s part. Stewardship is more than just writing a check. It is, of course, that! But it is a great deal more. You all enrich this church by participating. You just have to be present at an Italian Dinner put on by our youth group or a golf tournament sponsored by our Men’s fellowship to be exposed to the full joy of participation. You are a good steward by giving of not just your treasure but your time and talent as well. Please consider this carefully when deciding about your pledge.

Stewardship can make even the boldest and committed Episcopalians run for cover. I invite you to think of stewardship here as a privilege. The check writing part may not seem that way at the time but think of it this way. What you are willing and able to give is the very best way you can honor your God. You all have a direct impact on the level of ministry this church can provide. While that thought may be a bit frightening to grasp it is also a most wonderful representation of your love of God by supporting his house to continue on, grow and flourish, for you, your children and your children’s children.

Thank you and God bless you all us much as he has blessed me!