Lately the phrase “in the midst” seems to be everywhere. In the midst of a pandemic. In the midst of a global crisis. In the midst of a time of extraordinary uncertainty.
As I write this, on April 23, knowing full well circumstances could change before I finish, we are in the midst of discerning when to “reopen the country” and how to best help those who have lost jobs, who need loans to keep their businesses afloat, and who don’t have enough food to eat. The list could go on. It’s extremely tough here in the midst.
Yet there is good news: we are not alone. On Easter we celebrated as Mary Magdalene and the other women found an empty tomb. Scripture tells us again and again of God and Jesus in our midst; a quick google search generated all kinds of passages, such as:
- “Jesus came and stood among them. ‘Peace be with you!’ He said to them.” John 20:19
- “Yet even in the midst of all these things, we are more than conquerors through him who loved us.” Romans 8:37
God’s purpose from the beginning was to be with His people. To be in the midst.
Last month we shared ideas for how to care for one another even though we can’t physically be together; this stewardship of relationships is so important. Since then, I’ve heard from several pastors who shared what their church is doing in the midst to care for both members of the community of faith and members of the broader community. You can read those stories on our website and, on May 5 at 2 pm Eastern time, hear a few of them live!
On May 5, 2020 we hosted a webinar called “Stewardship In The Midst” with stories of congregations engaging in stewardship in the midst of a pandemic. Click here to view the recorded webinar. Password is 2U!8JqS@
Stewardship is, quite literally, caring for something we value and treasure. Over the past several weeks, many of the things we value about our communities of faith have changed in dramatic ways. But the Good News of God found in Jesus Christ has not, nor has our commitment to ministry, mission, and one another. In the midst of everything, God is with us and there is stewardship to be found and to celebrate.
Stewardship In the Midst explores how our churches use time, talent, and treasure during COVID-19. Learn helpful stewardship steps to take as our church doors remain closed. Laura Watson, MMFA’s Director of Stewardship Services, outlines key stewardship strategies to implement in the midst of a pandemic.
