DECEMBER IS STEWARDSHIP MONTH AT ST. JOHN

By David Luhrssen

On three Sundays during the month of December, presentations were made after Badarak regarding year two of St. John’s successful stewardship program.

On December 1, Dr. Gary Seabrook, Tresurer PC, spoke of stewardship in terms of  “Time, Talent and Treasure.” He focused on Treasure, reviewing St. John’s budget and explaining the parish’s multiple sources of income. In 2024 the largest dollar amount came from the Armenian Church Endowment Fund, followed by proceeds from Milwaukee Armenian Fest, the most profitable year for our festival to date. Running a close third was the money pledged by our members through the stewardship program, trailed by income from sacraments, candles and the Sunday collection plates. Gary noted that since we went to the “Stewardship System” there has been a growth in voting membership and that as of December 1, only a few people hadn’t yet fulfilled their pledges.

On December 8, I spoke of the stewardship that has always existed at St. John, even if no one called it by that name. The community has always benefitted from the generous donation of time and talent on the part of altar servers, parish council members, choir members and the numerous volunteers who make Milwaukee Armenian Fest and other events possible. In the 1980s the sanctuary was built by the stewardship of hard work as well as money. I added that the concept of stewardship is more in keeping with our Orthodox tradition than the yearly membership dues for voting preveligis that had defined membership in the parish before 2024.

Finally, on December 15, Rev. Fr. Guregh Hambardzumyan told the story of a man who said he would give more money to the Church if his income were greater, give more time if his job and family weren’t so demanding and give of his talent if he had any special skills. When God rewarded him with wealth, leisure and the ability to develop his talent, the man continued to refuse to give back in a vivid example of ungratefulness.

Der Guregh reminded listeners of why we should be grateful to our Armenian Church. Amidst the confusion of our present world, the Church presents a different perspective on life. It offers hope, meaning, joy and love—a second birth through baptism and chrismation and the ability to partake of divinity through communion. The Badarak gives us a glimpse of the Kingdom of Heaven and participation in our parish gives us membership in a community of mutual support.

St. John’s annual stewardship cards have been sent to members by mail. You may also pledge on our church’s website at this link. Please take this opportunity to consider how you can contribute to our mission.