Episode 11: A Life of Thanksgiving: Biblical Passages on Thanksgiving

01/25/23 • 13 min

How is stewardship inspired by the Bible? Father Andrew quotes several passages from the Bible that demonstrate that the concept of stewardship and its core theme of thanksgiving are deeply embedded in scripture. He references Psalm 50:14, Psalms 106:1 and 107:1, Psalm 118:4, and Sirach 51. He explains how our stewardship gifts, including money and time, become "holy" when they are precious and worthy and given to support the work of God. And he answers the question of how fixed assets can be a source of tithing in service of stewardship.
Father Andrew Kemberling is a parochial vicar of Immaculate Heart of Mary in Northglenn, Colorado. For 14 years he was pastor at St. Thomas More Parish in Centennial, CO. With Mila Glodava, Director of Communications and Stewardship, he wrote the book "Making Stewardship a Way of Life: A Complete Guide for Catholic Parishes" (published by Our Sunday Visitor, 2009). The parish received many awards for its pioneering embrace of stewardship as a touchstone of parish life. Fr. Andrew was born in Tucson, Arizona, and joined the Benedictine order in 1985. He was ordained a priest in 1988.

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Episode 10: We Have A Need To Give, Before Giving To A Need

Are we obligated to give to others simply because they have needs? In this episode, Father Andrew explains that, in a well-formed spirituality of stewardship, Christians have have a need to give which will drive their giving. He points out that giving based on others' needs can leave us with feelings of guilt, not satisfaction. Instead, if we have embraced the stewardship values of identity, trust, gratitude, and love, we will find in ourselves a need to give, and our giving will then be fulfilling and rewarding because it acknowledges the blessings we have received.
Father Andrew Kemberling is a parochial vicar of Immaculate Heart of Mary in Northglenn, Colorado. For 14 years he was pastor at St. Thomas More Parish in Centennial, CO. With Mila Glodava, Director of Communications and Stewardship, he wrote the book "Making Stewardship a Way of Life: A Complete Guide for Catholic Parishes" (published by Our Sunday Visitor, 2009). The parish received many awards for its pioneering embrace of stewardship as a touchstone of parish life. Fr. Andrew was born in Tucson, Arizona, and joined the Benedictine order in 1985. He was ordained a priest in 1988.

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Episode 12: Make A Commitment To God

Why do organizations building a stewardship spirituality ask us to make a commitment to God? As Father Andrew explains in this episode, making a commitment moves us from merely intending to embrace stewardship to owning our stewardship. We evolve from being simple helpers to active ministers. We anticipate needs and lean forward to serve. Our commitment becomes the foundation of our character. And how can this change a faith community? Father Andrew has seen Catholic parishes where just 20% of the members are actively engaged in stewardship activities increase that percentage to 70% as the parishes embrace a commitment to stewardship.
Father Andrew Kemberling is a parochial vicar of Immaculate Heart of Mary in Northglenn, Colorado. For 14 years he was pastor at St. Thomas More Parish in Centennial, CO. With Mila Glodava, Director of Communications and Stewardship, he wrote the book "Making Stewardship a Way of Life: A Complete Guide for Catholic Parishes" (published by Our Sunday Visitor, 2009). The parish received many awards for its pioneering embrace of stewardship as a touchstone of parish life. Fr. Andrew was born in Tucson, Arizona, and joined the Benedictine order in 1985. He was ordained a priest in 1988.