Stewardship Sermon Series

October 4: Prayers of Restoration

(Based on 2 Kings 22:3–10)

Years after the Temple had been built and dedicated, King Josiah discovered that it needed restoration. The people had not simply inherited the Temple; they had inherited the responsibility to care for it. Stewardship means recognizing that what previous generations have given us is something we are called to maintain and

strengthen for those who come after us. Sometimes that means repairing a roof, maintaining our facilities, or updating a ministry space. But restoration is about more than fixing things. Paul reminds us that we are temples of the Holy Spirit. Our stewardship also means turning our attention to people—to those who may be hurting, struggling, or in need of restoration. We are called not only to maintain a building, but to help restore lives.

October 11: Prayers of Protection (Based on Nehemiah 4:9–20)

When Nehemiah and the people began rebuilding Jerusalem’s walls, they faced opposition and danger. Nehemiah tells us, “We prayed to our God, and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.” They prayed, but they also acted. They worked together and watched out for one another. When there was a breach in the wall, someone had to stand there. There are times when people experience brokenness in their own lives—when relationships break down, grief overwhelms us, or faith becomes fragile. Stewardship means being willing to stand in the breach for one another. Sometimes our greatest offering is our presence, compassion, time, or willingness to help someone rebuild.

October 18: Prayers of Consecration (Based on Haggai 2:1–9)

On Consecration Sunday, we will bring our Estimate of Giving cards as we prayerfully consider how we will participate in the ministry of St. Stephen Martyr in the coming year. These commitments help us plan our budget and support the ministries God has entrusted to us. The people in Haggai’s day were rebuilding the Temple, and some wondered whether their work could compare with what had come before. God reminded them, “The silver is mine, and the gold is mine.” Ultimately, everything belongs to God. We are stewards of what God has placed in our hands. When we give, we return a portion of God’s gifts so that God’s work can continue. Haggai ends with a promise: “The latter splendor of this house shall be greater than the former.” God’s people could not see all that God was preparing for the future. Neither can we. But we can be faithful today.

This stewardship season, may our prayers and commitments help us dedicate, restore, protect, and consecrate the ministry God has entrusted to us.

Pastor Andrew