A Stewardship Ministry: ‘Lilies of the Field’ at St. James Episcopal Church
Come & See, Stay & Build
April 20, 2026
Dear Parishioners,
Our life together as a parish begins with a simple invitation. In John, Jesus turns to the curious and searching and says, “Come and see” (John 1:39). He invites presence, relationship, and community, not a list of expectations.
At St. James we honor that invitation. We gather to worship, pray for one another, and share life together. Faith is lived in community—“the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, the breaking of bread and the prayers” (Acts 2:42). Over time, those who come begin to experience the Body of Christ among them: “Now you are the body of Christ and individually members of it” (1 Corinthians 12:27). St. James is a spiritual home where people know your name, engage and celebrate Christ’s presence together, and work side-by-side in ministry.
The film Lilies of the Field gives a vivid image of this: a small group, little money, and a shared trust in God lead to a chapel built “brick by brick.” That chapel becomes a living symbol of faith made visible - our church is built not only of wood but of lived faith. The materials of our life together are faith, hope, joy, and service. Love is the mortar: “above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony” (Colossians 3:14). Without love stewardship is only money; with love it becomes ministry, community, and grace. That love frees us to risk generosity and vulnerability, trusting God’s care: “Consider the lilies of the field… your heavenly Father knows what you need” (Matthew 6:28–32).
We embody faith in daily life - quiet prayers, shared meals, service to neighbors, and steady presence. This intimacy is central: we are called to love one another, forming relationships that sustain and shape us. Come and see the love, the beauty, the bread and wine, the baptismal water, the music, the smiles, and the intensity of shared prayer and community. Come and see people serving together, relationships forming, and all becoming the Body of Christ. Thisis stewardship.
Stewardship sustains the life that happens in and surrounding our building - the worship, outreach, formation, compensation for our clergy and space. As Scripture teaches, “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). As we realize growth in our congregation and community, St James also faces financial growing pains; being transparent about that is responsible. Yet money is the means, not the purpose. Our giving supports the life that feeds us spiritually, binds us together, and provides funding for our many outreach ministries.
Pledging is an outward and visible sign of an inward commitment to God’s kingdom as lived at St. James. Stewardship is not a season but a ministry, a way of life - built
year-round through prayer, service, generosity, and conversation. Every article, ministry gathering, and act of kindness contributes to our culture of stewardship that shapes who we are: “Encourage one another and build up each other” (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Like the chapel in Lilies of the Field, St. James Episcopal Church, our church, is built together; no one person builds it alone. Every prayer, hymn, meal, and act of generosity becomes part of the foundation: “we are being built together spiritually into a dwelling place for God” (Ephesians 2:22).
Our stewardship is not about paying dues. It is about sustaining the life we share, strengthening the community that holds us, and building the future of our spiritual home - together. The bricks are faith, hope, joy, and service; love is the mortar. With God’s help, His church (and our church) is built. We are the ‘Lilies of the Field’!
Yours in Christ,
The Reverend Dr. Jim Shumard, Dave Bellaire, Ginny Heckel
It is our individual and collective spiritual practice rooted in thanksgiving. Everything we have – our time, our talents, our resources, and our very lives – comes from God. Stewardship, then, is not about obligation, but about response. It is how we say thank you to God for the abundance entrusted to us.
At St. James, we are blessed with a vibrant and caring community. We have embraced the spirit of “Come and See,” opening our doors in welcome and invitation, trusting that God is at work among us. We are called to build on that foundation – to deepen our faith and expand our trust in God’s provision.
In this spirit, we turn our hearts toward the lesson of the “Lilies of the Field.” Just as the beauty of the lilies is fashioned by God’s hand, we are reminded to trust in God’s abundance and care. Stewardship invites us into that same trust – not rooted in scarcity or fear, but in faith that God provides and will continue to provide for the work set before us.
Let us reflect on:
· Where is God calling us to grow?
· How have we been blessed, and how might we share those blessings more fully?
· How can we move forward in faith, trusting not only in what we can see, but in what God is still unfolding among us?
Stewardship is about aligning our lives with our values and trusting that God will use what we offer – no matter how big or small – for the good of His kingdom.
We enter this season with open hearts, guided by prayer, and grounded in gratitude. Together, we can continue to nurture the ministries of St. James and ensure that we remain a place of welcome, hope, and transformation for all who seek God’s presence among us.
Dave Bellaire, Vestry
April 21 2026
In preparation for stewardship
As we enter this season of preparation for stewardship, we are invited into a time of prayerful reflection – on who we are as a church, whose we are as God’s people, and how we are called to respond in gratitude for the blessings we have received.
Let stewardship not merely reference money. At its heart, it is something much deeper.
May 7, 2026
‘Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also’ (Matthew 6:21)
It is interesting how too often we equate treasure with money. Traditionally, when we mention a stewardship program or campaign, we talk about time, talent, and treasure, as though treasure was money. Let me suggest we need to be clear. Treasure cannot be equated to money.
Hopefully, our treasures are something different from money, although putting our money where our treasure is, is a good and joyful thing.
During our stewardship season, I ask you to think about where St. James fits into your treasure and your heart. For example, I have spoken with some who have attended St. James for years and realize that this is where their heart is, so they chose to join and stay.
I find the treasure of St. James as a place where love is expressed and shown freely and where we have vibrant worship of God and fellowship with one another. St. James’ treasure also exists in our reach-outs to the community around us.
The Reverend Dr. Jim Shumard, Priest-in-Charge
May 21, 2026
Outreach and spirituality are deeply interconnected. Outward service (outreach) is seen as a natural expression of inward faith (spirituality).
Our call to outreach is found in Matthew 25:35-36, “For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in,
I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”
It is a call to share the gifts God has given us. It is a call to serve others in so many ways. We use these gifts from God to do the work God calls us to do. What gifts has God given you, and what gifts has God given me, to serve others?
Stop and listen to what God asks of you. Answer with, “Here I am”. Listen to the stories your neighbor tells. Listen to the stories you hear in church, or at the Sunday Diner or Ishy’s. Listen to the pleas you hear from the voices standing in the middle of Highway 441 as you wait for the light to turn green. Read the Messenger and you will see the many opportunities to share the gifts you have received from God.
Ask yourself, “What is mine to do”? It can feel crushing when we see how much need is around us, near and far. We cannot do everything, but when we ask ourselves what is mine to do, you will hear what God has placed in your midst to do. And, with God’s help, you can and will do.
Do not forget to invite others to join you. Or to find their own path of generosity. God will be well pleased.
Ginny Heckel, Stewardship Committee Member
"Come and See"
Come and see, "Jesus said to those who were curious about who he was and what life with him might mean (John 1:39). He did not argue or set expectations, but began with an invitation into relationship. In the same way, our life as a church is rooted not simply in programs or plans, but in the relationships we share -- with God and with one another. We grow in faith as we listen, care, pray, and walk together. Every conversation, every act of kindness, every moment of welcome becomes a living witness to Christ's presence among us.
Reflection by Deacon Susi Roessler
- “Come and see,” said Jesus. I say the same thing. Come to St. James and see what is so very special. The deep mutual connection between people is filled with trust, open communication, companionship and commitment. It’s how we connect with each other. We have relationships going on that bring joy, safety and genuine caring. Come and see us worship, serve, garden, eat and then eat some more, debate, listen, learn, read, and share the communion table. Sometimes we are lucky enough to have a young person offer us the bread and wine. This is such a joy. We can grow in faith and become living, breathing witnesses to Christ’s presence among us. Come and see as we pray, cry, love, sympathize, share, show kindness and care for each other. We laugh, oh do we laugh and say let’s do it again. We do this together. Come and see.
~Susi Roessler