"Giving Daily Care" Stewardship Reflections, Women of the ELCA

Need a fresh look at stewardship? Use the "Giving Daily Care" reflections. The texts that form the basis for eight stewardship reflections are probably well-known to most, yet their interpretation and application depart from the traditional. The purpose in this approach is to encourage women to look at stewardship in what may be, for many, a new and different way.

The goal is to embrace stewardship as a way of life, rather than only a seasonal emphasis or act of giving money, 'tho it surely includes that.

These stewardship reflections may be used in circles and study groups, in Sunday morning forums, as the basis for a retreat, or for individual study. If you choose the latter, copy and distribute them all at once, along with "Notes to the Leader," or one each week or month.

We have an extravagantly generous God who throughout our days and years showers us with countless blessings. Untold joys await us as we discover the depths of our ability to respond to God's extravagant presence in each of our lives. Explore the possibilities.

If you are leading a group, in preparation for each session read and meditate on the biblical texts daily for three or four days prior to your gathering. The texts are not long, and this will give you the opportunity to let the word of God really "sink in" as you carry it around in your mind and heart while going through your daily routine.

Also read through the reflection itself each of those days, perhaps using it as the basis for your daily prayers. It is not necessary or even expected that you do any formal research with Bible commentaries or dictionaries.

Let your mind flow with the text. Don't be too concerned with interpreting it "correctly;" rather, let your relationship with God combine with your daily experiences to give you new insight and vision. Keep in mind that there are no "pat answers" to the discussion questions. Allow group members to speak from their own experiences and relationships with God.

Try not to become anxious when there are periods of silence; participants may need time to reflect and remember before they speak up. If some encouragement is needed, offer your own insight or example; then give others room to join the discussion too.

Your group might find it interesting if you can add the thoughts and opinions of "experts" from time to time. For example, interview a hospice worker in preparation for the third reflection, a therapist who specializes in women's issues for the fourth reflection, an attorney or judge for the seventh reflection. Use your imagination to focus and enrich your time together.

May God richly bless your efforts.