Reflections on Stewardship: A GOOD STEWARD

My name is Ada Fu and I am a member of the Chinese congregation. My daughter, Helena, and I came to Church of Our Saviour to attend the worship service at Easter of 2018. We were baptized here, became involved in serving, and have been part of this community ever since.

In 2020, when COVID-19 swept across the world, all public places were forced to close, including our Church. What could we do? No one knew when church would reopen. Fr. Ni contacted me to record early morning and evening prayer videos for YouTube, in order to provide spiritual comfort for those who were anxious and confused. Only a few of us arrived at the Sanctuary, with no prior experience, limited recording equipment, and the willingness to learn editing on our feet. We managed to complete a series of videos, editing and uploading content that enabled us to spread love, trust, and hope. God taught me the power of trust: there was no need to worry because I knew Heavenly Father would equip, protect, and pave my way ahead. We kept our spiritual home intact. My faith grew stronger and I became increasingly involved in church activities.

I help coordinate services for the Chinese congregation and look forward to others joining in and serving, enriching and expanding our team. I hear members share the reasons they are not as involved as they would like to be, such as "I don’t know how to use a computer”, “my work schedule is irregular” or “I’m introverted and socially anxious." The most precious reason for joining our community is having a heart that is willing to serve our spiritual family. If your English isn’t strong, we have bilingual services, and you can participate in reading scripture in Chinese. If you are not comfortable with computers, you can read Bible lessons, serve as an acolyte or join the choir. If you are introverted, you can help with the preparation of the altar or the cleaning of communion vessels after worship. If you cannot attend every week, then come and help during our large events, such as the Dumpling Festival, Thanksgiving, or Christmas. There is a place for everyone at our family table.

At each Sunday’s service, the announcements page includes the phrase families come in all shapes and colors. Isn’t this the Lord’s calling? No matter where you come from, what you look like, your personality, skin color or abilities, when you come to Church of Our Saviour, you become part of our spiritual family. In Chinese culture, the concept of family is one that includes prosperity, children, love, order, and mutual support. The Lord also calls for this in the Bible.

During our seven years here, Helena and I have received advice from elders on our daily life, getting help addressing the specific needs that arise with each new season, while sharing our life experiences. There have been heartfelt prayers made for us during difficult times as well as beautiful blessings bestowed upon us in school and at work. The small, countless moments and intertwined connections have, for me, created a sense of belonging and a feeling of home. This belonging has led me to help and contribute to the COS family.

A good steward always starts by managing the small things at home. Accumulated small efforts achieve great results. With perseverance, we all have the ability, responsibility, and obligation to maintain and manage our home parish well. We should take more time to attend worship services, give as much as we can, help promote our ministry activities, pray for others, actively participate in service, and contribute financially or through manpower during major church events. "Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven". (Matthew 18:19).

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Please Rose Gonzalez with any questions about stewardship or if you are interested in joining the Stewardship Committee at roseg@cosepiscopal.org or x118.