Stewardship Moment-Con Trowbridge

I moved to Greenfield, several years ago, to be near three of my children. As a “cradle” Episcopalian, I hoped to find a church that was comfortable as well as challenging. The doors were open, back then, and I looked around at some of the memorial plaques and windows. I was grateful to see that before I or my parents or their parents were born there was a dedicated community, here, committed to serving a congregation with varied experiences.

I was grateful to find a music program, committed choir directors and organist, interesting organ and enthusiastic choir. I was often able to practice playing the organ. As our doors were open, visitors might come in to pray or wander around. I was glad to explain some of the church history and welcome them to come again or come to our services.

We have not not been able to have our doors open for months. Today, I am here as part of a token choir to help lead our worship, remotely, since we cannot gather together. I am grateful that our priests and organist and choir director, as well as lay readers, are accepting the challenge of nurturing our congregation in very challenging times. As well as our usual worship times, some are sharing their talents and skills by reaching out to any who may feel isolated or needing spiritual supports at any time.

Saints James and Andrew has had varied ways to serve and be present in the wider community. We share programs of feeding our needy neighbors with nearby churches. When our doors were open we provided sit-down meals each week as well as food to take home. We have adapted to provide meals and snacks and some personal essentials as takeouts. I have worked with some other food programs and I am always glad to say “My church takes part of various programs, come and try it out.”

In the times that we are able to have our doors open, as well as we when we have to keep them closed, there are many folks helping out in ways that are rarely noticed. The flowers and shrubs and planters around the church building are tended by volunteers. The flowers on the altars are prepared. The linens on the altars are cared for. There is basic sorting and recording of intake and expenses. I try to be mindful and grateful to those who contribute their time and effort.

We are all stewards of the resources of caring for each other and the community which we are part of. We are blessed to be cared about and cared for in so many ways. There is no end to my gratitude for these blessings. It is my intention ​my intention is to pledge my support to the parish, as an expression of my gratitude.

---