Faith Stories: Stewardship Reflection
My name is Bryan Adams, and I love St John’s. My wife, Cindy, and I have been members for about 20 years. To be honest, I don’t remember ever not coming to St John’s. It has been such an integral part of our lives. It is where our children were baptized and learned about Jesus and where we learned to love teaching youth and seeing these kids grow. We’ve grown as Christian disciples since being here and have wonderful friends who we’ve leaned on during both rough times and happy times.
Where do I see God moving/working through us at St John’s?
Shepherd’s Market – It started by listening and seeking God’s will. Who would have thought that this ministry would be feeding hundreds of families and people in need in south Baton Rouge today? This is a perfect example of “one door closes, another door opens.” It takes great leadership (faith) and the actions of many people in this church body (faithfulness) to make this kind of impact. And we’re not doing it alone — we have a network with the Baton Rouge Food Bank to supply us goods in addition to the contributions of many generous people and organizations who feel led to donate not only materials, but also their time and effort. Hey, they even grow their own vegetables! If you haven’t seen it in action, I encourage you to drop by and see the love taking place.
Tutoring Program – St. John’s has been supporting this effort for many years. Our pool of tutors includes professors from LSU, mechanical/chemical engineers from local industry, and college students who are looking for ways to make a difference. I have had the pleasant experience of witnessing young adults who “made it” through high school and thanking me for getting them over the hurdle. It does make a difference. Within the last two weeks we’ve had two new engineers who have began tutoring at St. John’s — and they love it! We are always in need of new tutors and I encourage you to try it.
Music Ministry – How blessed we are to be able to hear the Spirit moving through Terry’s playing! To hear all voice parts of an anthem being sung by our wonderful Choir! To see the joy on the faces of the children playing in the Bell Choir — watching their arms moving in sequence to numbers on a page! The special music being played by flute, guitar, saxophone, trumpet and songs being sung that praise and give glory to God! This doesn’t just happen — it takes time, effort and practice. Those involved in the music ministry are truly a blessing to this congregation.
Bible Verse: Numbers 20:7-8
And the LORD spoke unto Moses, saying, “Take the rod and you gather the assembly together, you, and Aaron your brother, and you speak unto the Rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and you shall bring forth to the them water out of the Rock so you shall give the congregation and their beasts drink”.
Prayer: Dear Lord, please continue to bless our wonderful church. Give our Pastor and church leadership the wisdom of how you want our ministries to grow. Provide us all the faith to engage in the activities that make this church such a special place. During this time of stewardship, may we all be faithful in the giving of our time and resources to perform your work.
Bryan Adams