Generally, when we think of good stewardship, we think of how we manage our finances and our faithfulness in paying God’s tithes and offerings. But it’s much more than that. In fact, it’s more than just the management of our time, our possessions, our environment, or our health. Stewardship is our obedient witness to God’s sovereignty. It’s what motivates the followers of Christ to move into action, doing deeds that manifest their belief in Him. Many years ago, we at Holy Trinity were asked by Immanuel Indonesian Congregation if we would allow them to use our building on Sunday afternoons for their worship. At that time their congregation was a Reformed Church. Their pastor became a Lutheran pastor and Immanuel became a Lutheran Congregation. Now, many of the Indonesians worship with us at Holy Trinity because they have no Pastor, although they do have a worship service on Sunday afternoons for the Indonesian Community.
We have a vital relationship with Isimani Lutheran Church in Tanzania. That relationship has been transforming for us here at Holy Trinity as well as Isimani. Two of our members spent a term teaching at Iringa University in Tanzania.
We have assisted in the relocation of an Afghan family when they came to Portsmouth from Afghanistan. Holy Trinity has aided in the ministries of the Dover Friendly Kitchen, Operation Blessing, and other local outreach.
In addition, there are many in-house areas here at Holy Trinity, such as, helping in worship, the Church library, building maintenance, and building our faith through teaching and inspiring. These are some of the ways our actions in the world and locally that have shaped us in our Vision of our faith and the stewardship of our time and talent. It is time to consider our participation in the Time and Talent Ministries here at Holy Trinity Church. We have many ways of serving. These can be found at Holy Trinity’s website: https://www.htelc.com/time-and-talent.