Jay
For those of you who may be wondering, YES – we've actually been honored to share our thoughts on stewardship and ministry with you in previous years.  Today we approach you as newly installed members of our Stewardship Council, and I have to give credit to Bill Handlin (our esteemed chairman) – he packaged this very cleverly.  As for us, we made a few mistakes along the way.  Mistake #1 – missed our first meeting (things will always happen on your behalf, some of them good and well, some…).  Mistake #2 – attend the 2 ^nd meeting (really your first) in an overly conciliatory manner, appearing soft and ready to the Chairman for a "special task".  Oh yes, and make sure you are not accompanied by your better half so that you have no confidant to lean on when the heat gets applied.  I attended alone.  And Mistake #3 – place full faith and belief, without question, in the reasons the Chairman provides to you regarding why YOU are the absolute best candidates for this presentation.  In this case, he put the finger on our own Fr Kulma, alleging that YES he thought this would be a great idea.  Warning, some of you may find this a bit familiar …
Our history with church ministry began some years back.  Cadence wanted the two of us to join in a parish prayer group called Renew.  As was my practice, I quietly BUT FIRMLY resisted - but Cadence knew this was something we were CALLED to participate in, and so I mustered up the courage to attend.  It was during those gatherings that I began to understand how God works through the hands of others around us.  We as couples would break open scripture, and even more so – open our hearts to each other about our faith journeys.  And it was there our own dear Peg and John Dudar encouraged us to approach Emily Gorman about joining the choir, because they were a fantastic ministry and “they knew how to have fun!”  Our membership in choir led to other opportunities that God opened up for us.  For as we learned 1 ^st hand, this progression towards increased participation is a very natural blessing. 
Today we find ourselves TOGETHER HERE at St. Edith Stein.  Without question, YOU - our brothers and sisters who gather here for worship - are among the dearest and most Christ-like friends our family will ever have.  And for our children, our membership and participation HERE over the past 14 years, much of which during their own formative years, is a blessing that bears no price tag – invaluable.  So much of this results from our own participation in MINISTRY.  Without question, we have found ourselves “at the right place, at the right time”.  Coincidence you say?  Now what do you think?
Cadence
Our participation in ministry has become an ANCHOR for us here at our parish.  But we really don’t view them as “ministries”.  Rather, they have become VITAL components of OUR faith-life here at SES.  For instance, as lectors, we’ve found that proclaiming God’s word is both deeply satisfying, yet equally humbling as well – broadening our perspective on the Liturgy of the Word.  As Baptism Catechists, we have the privilege and honor to share our own family experiences with those who have yet to witness first-hand the blessings of a newborn, and the abundant GRACE that our Lord offers through the Sacrament of Baptism.  As members of our choir, we share the awesome opportunity and yes, responsibility, to support and enhance the worship experience for the entire parish through God’s prayerful gift of music and song.  And as newly inducted members of the Stewardship Council, we are ever impressed with the ways in which this worthy ministry builds excitement and enthusiasm towards events such as Welcome Sunday and this very Stewardship of Ministry Weekend.  All for Lifting Up the Body of Christ.  Regardless of the opportunity and WITHOUT exception, both Jay and I always receive much more than we could ever contribute towards ministry here at SES.
 
Too little time for ministry?  We’ve touched on the busy lives that we all truly lead, of simply JUST not having enough time.  We are encouraged to put our TRUST in the Lord and offer back to HIM a worthy portion of our time in HIS service.  No talents to offer?  That’s just not so.  Each one of us has been blessed with unique skills – we all DO have something to offer.
Jay
Active participation in ministry does have its Blessings – let me be specific.  The Mass experience here at our parish has become much more meaningful for US.  It’s no longer the entirety of our spirituality; rather, Mass has become its CENTER – tying our other endeavors here together.  Ministry has GREATLY enhanced our understanding of the need for consistent financial SACRIFICE here at our parish.  And here's another clear upside to becoming involved in ministry.  I can guarantee that you'll find yourself both inspired BY, AND inspiring TO your fellow participants within these worthy sub-groups of our faith community here.  It's happened to us at every turn in the road.  I'm continually amazed at the unexpected blessings, and it's so very true that you will never ever be able to offer as much as you receive.
To all who have served the parish over the years till today, we ask that you accept the most sincere and humble gratitude for your gifts of time, talent and treasure.  I now invite all of you gathered today to gaze at our wonderful parish and its physical presence.  Breathe it in.  I submit to you that we would not be assembled here today in this beautiful and holy worship space were it not for these prior and current offerings of love and service.  We’re a growing and vibrant parish, one that has been truly blessed.  Our ability to meet our current and future needs, however, rests in God, BUT in all of our hands as well.  Without growing participation in ministry and service, our abilities as a parish will be compromised.  TAKE A CHANCE, and extend yourself past your comfort zone.  You may very well find that these extended areas are not that uncomfortable AT ALL!
 
In closing, I would like to offer the following simple prayer.  Father, we pray that you continue to make yourself known in the lives of all who worship here in this sacred space.  And as members of SES we pray that we can say YES to Your call to STEWARDSHIP, knowing that as we grow closer to each other in YOUR service, we surely grow closer to YOU.  We humbly ask these things through Christ our Lord.  Amen.