Giving

ON THIS PAGE: Benevolence | Stewardship | Volunteering

Giving at St. John’s is on a voluntary basis. Parishioners are encouraged to see themselves as God’s stewards, called to manage well what He places at their disposal. Many are experiencing the joys of tithing (returning 10% of their incomes) for the Lord’s work within the scope of the local congregation as well as to other benevolences and charities. Growth in giving is emphasized, and the need for the giver to learn the discipline of handling one’s possessions is taught.

Benevolence

St. John’s is a community identified in the Sacramento area for it’s social ministries. Members sit on the boards and volunteer with a variety of ecumenical social service organizations, highlighted by St. John’s Shelter for Women and Children (a daughter benevolence), and also including Loaves and Fishes, Central Downtown Food Closet, and Francis House. Members of the congregation are involved with the Lutheran Social Services, Pleasant Ridge Home, Friends Outside and CROP. We are part of local ecumenical holiday dinners for the poor.

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Stewardship

STEWARDSHIP CORNER:

STEWARDSHIP — HOW DO WE VIEW IT?

I’m sure we all could immediately respond by saying it is the management of our time, talent, and possessions given to us by God. The Key Word Is Management!!! Let’s first look at the word time: We all have a life span which varies in years and is most indeterminate. It can be influenced to a certain extent by the treatment and care we give to our bodies, but always remember, it is a temple of God given to us by Him. Let us use our life, be it short or long, in a manner to which God could say, "thou good and faithful servant." Let’s look at the word talent: Everyone of us has a talent or talents. Many times it is more visible in some than in others. This may cause many to negate their own talent and not use or develop what God has given them. Let us not measure ourselves against another in such a manner that makes us question our worthiness. Remember, each of us has God-given gifts. Let us use them in a manner to which God could say, "thou good and faithful servant." Let’s look at the word possessions: This is probably the most common thought associated with stewardship. All of us have possessions in varying degrees, however they all came from God. It is then our responsibility to manage these gifts and return to God a portion of what He first gave to us. This could be in the form of a tithe or proportional giving. In any case, let it be such that God could say, "thou good and faithful servant."In short, we can say God is the author of our life. Stewardship is our response to that Gift of Life.

Yours in Christ,

Spence Gedestad

Chair, Stewardship Committee

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Volunteering

Helping Hands

Did you know that St. John's has a volunteer group called Helping Hands? The Helping Hands volunteers endeavor to be of assistance to those individuals or families currently experiencing a difficult time. The volunteers seek to help, on a short basis, with the little things that can prove difficult at those times. Some of the services our volunteers can provide include: accompaniment to appointments, meals, reading to/writing for, sewing/mending, shopping, transportation, visitation, and listening. If you have any of these needs please notify the church office at 444-0874.

Central Downtown Food Basket - Volunteers Needed

Drivers are desperately needed by the Food Basket. This organization has been affiliated with our church for years and provides a necessary service to those who are homeless or needy. If you are interested in being of service, please call Tim Baumbach, Director, at 761-5624. Your time can make a world of difference to the hungry.

Weave Works

WEAVE (Women Escaping A Violent Environment) is a nationally recognized non-profit domestic violence and sexual assault center supported through government grants, donations, and volunteers. "Weave Works" is a revenue generating operation of Weave, Inc. "Weave Works" sells professional women’s clothing, antiques and collectibles, as well as local arts and crafts. You can help by bringing your donations to the "Weave Works" Store, 919 20th Street, on Thursdays and Saturdays only, 10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. "Weave Works" also helps women seeking employment to be attired appropriately for job interviews and employment. Women, do you have any unwanted clothing? Bring them to "Weave Works!"

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St. John's Lutheran Church
1701 L Street
Sacramento, California 95811
(916) 444-0874 (Telephone)
(916) 444-1205 (Fax)
www.stjohnslc.org (Web)
staff@stjohnslc.org  (Email)