Year-Round Stewardship Testimonial: Caryl Casbon
“What is going to change the world is small groups of people with their souls intact.” -Parker Palmer
When Susan Krutzsch and Steven Singleton asked me to speak about Stewardship, I was shocked. As I look around each Sunday and witness all of the generous acts of stewardship at Trinity, from the weekly practicing & performing of our sacred music by our talented choir…to the acolytes, the children’s programs, the flower preparation, the coffee hour and hospitality team, the countless acts of service organized by the Justice & Outreach group, and the often unseen work of the vestry, parish council, and myriad other committees, I don’t believe I deserve to stand here talking about stewardship. A Jewish friend of mine humorously told me that all he has to do to feel guilty is look at his mother. I confess that all I need to do to feel guilty is sit in a church where I perseverate on how I am not giving enough. I not only feel guilty but, paradoxically, self-protective. In the winter season of my life, I fiercely guard my time, for I know it is running out, and I value making the most of it.
We moved to Santa Barbara from Oregon three years ago, and Jay and I longed for a new church home. When I asked Georgia Noble about her devotion to Trinity, she said, “I love Trinity because it is a place to practice being a part of the body of Christ.” Now that hooked me, for I can really use practice. Part of the covenant in joining a church is to give some measure of our time, talent, and treasure. It is the treasure part that makes it all go around and sustains our ministry team and programs, but this morning, my focus is on time and talent. Practical spirituality is about improving the lives of others, and the church is where we can practice this. The Quakers have a saying, “Is this work something I am meant to shine my light on?” I began to ask God where I should shine my light at Trinity. As I considered this question, I remembered a favorite poem by William Stafford, The Way It Is.
Click here to continue reading Caryl’s reflection about discernment and following her "thread."
