United Church of Pittsford

A stewardship Testimonial by Karen Shuler

When thinking about what to say regarding spiritual enrichment, I first looked up some of the dictionary definitions of the words “spiritual” and “enrichment.” Spiritual: “concerned with or affecting the soul” and “of, from, or relating to God.” Enrichment: “to make fuller, more meaningful, or more rewarding” and “to add to the beauty or character of.” Ah, it was immediately clear that “spiritual enrichment” for me meant to add beauty to our own souls and to the souls of others.

I have been blessed beyond measure by the spiritual enrichment I have received through involvement at UCP. Worship on Sundays, especially, is one of my primary sources of feeling fulfilled. I feel my anxiety wither away for an hour or so every week. I feel challenged and comforted by Pastor Jim’s sermons. I feel uplifted by the music and feel God’s spirit within me when I sing with the Rock Choir. I feel a sense of community that is so vital to me as a Christian.

Sunday morning is not my only source of fulfillment, though. Participating in the Thursday evening women’s fellowship last year and this year has fed my need to connect with fellow believers on a more intimate and personal level. We learn from one another and share our experiences, concerns, and journey of faith. I truly value the support I receive through this opportunity for both friendship and spiritual reflection. In the past, I have also cherished the biblical knowledge I received and the fellowship of the small bible study group led by Pastor Jim.

When I am able to be on the giving end and offering my time, talents, and gifts to others, it is as equally rewarding. I have had the honor and the joy of working with our children by volunteering as a Sunday School teacher, being a sponsor for a student in discipleship class, and volunteering in the Cribbery and Tiny Tots rooms. I was also deeply moved when Roddy and I helped prepare and serve a meal for the families of RAIHN, and I feel a calling to do that again.

I heard God’s call to participate in these activities, even though I sometimes doubted that I was the right person to do so. I worried that I might not have enough wisdom to be a discipleship sponsor, yet I was able to participate in this incredibly meaningful experience. I sometimes don’t feel like I have the energy to go out at night after taking care of two young boys all day, but when I attend the women’s fellowship I feel emotionally recharged and spiritually connected. My family struggles to stay on top of the bills on a single income, but when we give generously to the church and charities we are still able to live comfortably. I didn’t feel like a talented teacher, but God gave me the strength to teach Sunday school and rewarded me by learning from the children in return.

The theme for the stewardship campaign this year is “Because I have been given much.” I know that I am prone to getting caught up in the feeling that I never have enough of anything. I don’t have enough time, enough energy, enough financial resources, enough talent, and so on. So it continues to be a daily struggle for me to recognize that I have been given much. I have been given much time to do God’s will. I have been given Godly gifts to share with others. I have been given much responsibility as a Christian. I have been given all that I need, as long as I stay connected and dedicated to God.

It is generally true that we all find time to do what we really want. When we make God our most important priority, is it just possible that everything else will fall into place? I struggle with letting go and trusting completely. However, sharing ourselves completely can fulfill us spiritually. We have been given so much. Can you hear God calling us to add beauty to our souls?