Stewardship Sunday is usually more than learning about the church’s needs, our progress for the year, and a potluck for me. It is also making sure Gracie, two, and Ethan, four, are not disruptive or overly messy whilst they traipse around the church. Amazingly enough, all children were really well behaved and occupied with the sand box and stickers. As the stories were told, I was able to sneak through the nursery behind the festivities and through to the kitchen or bathroom as needed.
About three quarters of the way through, Gracie started to wander and I noticed she had left the hall area. Not wanting her to ruin anything in the sanctuary with her ‘curiosity’, I felt the need to investigate. As I entered the sanctuary, Gracie was sitting in the folding chair usually reserved for the Ecumenical ministers. I eased into the first pew and asked her what she was doing. She climbed down from the chair and walked towards the railing and said something. It sounded like, “mumble, mumble, Christ”. Not sure what I heard, but pretty sure I heard something Christ related, I came and knelt at the railing and said, “What did you say?” She put her hand out to me as if giving me a piece of bread and said, “Blood of Christ”. What could I say but, “Amen”
Then in pure Gracie fashion she said, “Now, go back to your spot!” I assumed she meant the first pew and sat down. “No”, she said, “Go back to your spot!” indicating our traditional pew at the back of the church with her pointer finger. I followed her instructions, like any good mommy would, and sat down where I was told. “Now,” she said, “Say Allelulia”. I did as I was told. “That’s good”, she said.
Now, Tracie, our minister, has told us that stewardship is more than collecting pledges to help the church operate. It is also about our hospitality, our outreach, and the spiritual formation of others. I’d say that this little story that was unfolding while everyone witnessed in the hall was enough for me to say our spiritual formation is working in ways we don’t even realize yet. Thanks be to God!!
Mary J–MI
Please email your God sightings to dan@seegodtoday.com.