GOOD SHEPHERD LUTHERAN CHURCH
RUTLAND, VT
Dear Friends in Christ,
Thank you for your part in our life together in Christ’s Beloved Community and thank you for sharing the gifts that God has given you for the upbuilding of the body of Christ at Good Shepherd.
As the older son in the parable of the Prodigal (Luke 15:11-31) reminds us, we often fail to recognize the abundance of blessings that surround us. The cares of the world, the distractions of our lives, and a perspective of scarcity that permeates our culture, makes it easy to forget what the father promises the older son: “You are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.”
Such is the promise for each one of us by God in Christ. The truth that we confess is the economy of God: there is enough and enough for everyone. The truth of abundance bubbles up in the waters of our baptism, where God lovingly claims us, often before we have anything to say about it. The truth of abundance is embodied as bread and cup are shared around Christ’s table. All are welcome. All are fed. And there are leftovers to spare. The truth of abundance is also present in your life. God calls you into this life, equips you with gifts and talents, and invites you to share them with a world sore in need of grace, mercy, and compassion.
When we recognize the gifts of God that reside within the people of God, we have an opportunity to expand a bit more of God’s love in Christ here at Good Shepherd, in Rutland City and surrounding communities, and in the larger world. Indeed, our hands are very much engaged with God’s work through our involvement with Rutland Neighbors, Little Lambs Early Learning Centers, our sister congregation First Baptist, and in our life together with God.
Over the coming weeks, we invite you to consider a pledge for our ministry together in 2026.
We deeply appreciate your consideration and generosity. Every gift helps to further the ministry of God at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church. In a world that continues to seed uncertainty and fear in many sectors, we have the chance to offer an alternative vision for the world. Rather than fear, there is love. Rather than isolation, there is community. Rather than uncertainty, there is the rootedness of God’s grace. Rather than scarcity, there is abundance. Let us abide in God’s graciousness, sharing with us the abundance of God’s creation, and let us share in kind the gifts God gives to us for the building up of God’s presence in and for the world.
In Christ,
Rev. Patti Stratton
“Then the father said to him, ‘You are always with me and all that is mine is yours.’” (Luke 15:31)
Scripture: “Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours.’” (Luke 15:31 NRSVUE)
Devotional Reading
In the parable of the prodigal son, the older brother resents his father's extravagant celebration for the returning, rebellious younger brother. The father responds to the older brother's anger with a tender statement: "Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours". This phrase offers a profound perspective on what it means to be a steward in God's household.
The older brother saw his life with his father as a series of transactions. "All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders," he says, expecting a reward for his good behavior (Luke 15:29). His service was not motivated by love for his father, but by a sense of duty and the belief that he was owed something in return. His anger revealed that he saw his brother's restoration as a loss to himself, failing to grasp the abundance he had always possessed.
Many faithful believers can fall into this trap, viewing their relationship with God as a transaction. When we compare our service and obedience to others' apparent blessings, we can find ourselves in the same place as the older brother: with a hardened heart, outside the feast, feeling resentful and deprived.
The father's response unveils a radically different vision of stewardship. He reminds his son of a crucial truth: "All that is mine is yours".
The older brother had full access to the family's resources all along but failed to live in the abundance available to him. He was a son who chose to live like a servant.
The father's loving correction shifts the focus from earning a reward to embracing the richness of his relationship with his son.
The father's resources weren't just material wealth; they included his love, grace, and presence. The older brother was so focused on what he thought he lacked that he couldn't enjoy the lavish feast that was always set before him.
Reflection Questions
1. What is the basis for your service? Is your motivation rooted in love and gratitude for your relationship with God, or are you hoping to earn a reward or resentful that others have received blessings you haven't.
2. Do you recognize the "all that is mine is yours" in your life? Consider the countless blessings of God's presence, wisdom, provision, and spiritual resources you have in your life. Are you living in this abundance or allowing resentment to blind you to it?
3. Can you celebrate the lost being found? The older brother's heart was not aligned with his father's, who found joy in the lost son's return. True stewardship means embracing God's love for all and rejoicing when another is brought into the kingdom, rather than resenting their reception of grace.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, forgive us when we serve you with a resentful heart, comparing our blessings to others and forgetting all that you have given us. Soften our hearts so that we may see the immeasurable blessings of being in your presence. Help us live as joyful sons and daughters, not as resentful servants, and grant us your heart to celebrate with you when the lost are found. In Jesus' name, Amen.
Scripture: "Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received." (1 Peter 4:10, NRSVUE).
Devotional Reading
In our modern world, the concept of stewardship often feels transactional, focused on budgets, pledges, and fundraising. However, the biblical understanding of stewardship is much richer. It is not a burden of responsibility but a grateful response to God's overflowing and unmerited grace.
To be "rooted in God's grace" means that our stewardship grows from a soil of divine love and lavish generosity. God, the ultimate owner of all things, has given us everything as a gift—our lives, time, talents, relationships, and possessions. We are not the owners of these gifts but faithful managers entrusted with their care.
This perspective transforms our motivation. Instead of giving and serving out of guilt, pressure, or a desire to earn favor, we respond with thankfulness because we have already received the greatest gift: new life in Jesus - life that is filled with good things, hope, love, mercy, and compassion. His ultimate act of stewardship—giving his life for our salvation—is the foundation for our own service.
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Being rooted in grace means we:
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Receive God's gifts gratefully: We acknowledge that everything we have is a gift from a loving and generous God.
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Cultivate them responsibly: We grow and develop our gifts, skills, and resources, not for our own gain, but to honor God.
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Share them lovingly with others: As Peter's letter reminds us, our gifts are to be used to serve others in the community.
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Glorify God in all things: Our faithful stewardship ultimately points back to God, whose varied grace is at work in and through us.
Reflection Questions
1. How does the truth that "grace isn't earned, it's the soil we grow from" challenge your perspective on stewardship?
2. Consider the gifts God has given you—not just money, but also your time, talents, relationships, and even personality. How can you better use these to serve others and honor God?
3. Are there areas of your life where you feel more like an anxious owner than a faithful steward? How can you reorient your heart and actions to trust God's ownership more fully?
4. How does being a "faithful steward of God's varied grace" change the way you approach your daily tasks and relationships?
A Prayer for Stewardship
Heavenly Father, we thank you for your extraordinary and unmerited grace, shown to us most fully in your Son, Jesus Christ. Forgive us for living as if we are the owners of our lives, rather than the grateful stewards of your gifts. Melt our hearts with the wonder of your love, and help us to be rooted deeply in your grace. Empower us by your Holy Spirit to use our time, talents, and resources to serve others and bring glory to your name. Amen.
Here are four examples of faithful stewards of God's grace in Scripture.
Their stories illustrate how a grateful heart and faithful actions can multiply God's blessings for the benefit of others.
Jesus Christ: The ultimate steward of grace
As the Son of God, Jesus is the perfect example of a faithful steward, serving God the Father and ultimately giving his life for the redemption of all creation. Jesus lived his life in constant humble selfless service to others, culminating in his death on the cross (Mark 10:45). Jesus made time for the marginalized, sick, and needy, demonstrating that stewardship extends to how we prioritize people in our lives (Mark 1:32–34).
Through parables like the Parable of the Talents, he taught his followers to use their God-given gifts for the benefit of God’s kingdom here on earth. (Matthew 25:14–30).
The Apostle Paul: Steward of the Gospel
Paul's life was transformed by God's grace, and he devoted himself to being a steward of the good news of Jesus Christ. Paul saw his life's mission as preaching the "unsearchable riches of Christ" to the Gentiles (Ephesians 3:8–9). He embraced the hardships and suffering that came with his ministry, viewing his role as serving others rather than for his own gain (Colossians 1:24). Despite his hard work, Paul recognized that his strength and accomplishments came only from the grace of God (1 Corinthians 15:10).
Joseph: Faithful through every season
From a slave to a prime minister, Joseph remained a faithful steward of God's grace and blessings, even when he faced hardship. As a servant in Potiphar's house and later as second-in-command of Egypt, Joseph faithfully managed the resources entrusted to him. As a result, his masters and the entire nation were blessed (Genesis 39, 41). Even while imprisoned, Joseph was entrusted with a position of leadership and used his God-given gifts to bless those around him (Genesis 39:21–23). Joseph's ability to interpret dreams was not for his own benefit but was a means for God to save both his own family and the nation of Egypt from starvation (Genesis 50:20).
Tabitha (Dorcas): Using gifts for service
Tabitha is an example of a faithful steward who used her practical skills for ministry within her community. Described as "full of good works and acts of charity," she used her sewing skills to make clothing for the poor and widows in her community (Acts 9:36). When she died, the mourners were able to display the tangible evidence of her love and service. She had such a profound impact that God, in his grace, raised her from the dead through Peter (Acts 9:39–41). Tabitha's story demonstrates that being a steward of God's grace can be as simple and impactful as using your God-given talents to meet the practical needs of those around you.
For Further Reflection
How can I cultivate a heart of gratitude to motivate my stewardship?
To cultivate a heart of gratitude that motivates joyful stewardship, focus on shifting your perspective from what you lack to the abundance you have already received. By consciously acknowledging God as the source of all your blessings, you can transform your attitude from one of obligation to one of heartfelt thanks. Here are some things you can do to help you get started.
Mindful reflection and prayer
Journal your gifts. Intentionally set aside a few minutes each day to write down specific blessings in your life, both large and small. This practice trains your mind to notice God's provision. For example, instead of just writing "I'm grateful for my co-workers," you could be more specific: "I am grateful that my co-worker Jane covered for me on Tuesday when I was under the weather."
Pray with gratitude. Incorporate prayers of thanksgiving into your daily routine. This goes beyond simply asking for new things. It is an act of worship that acknowledges how you have personally benefited from God's actions and character. In the words of Philippians 4:6–7, let your "requests be made known to God with thanksgiving" to experience his peace.
Recall past blessings. Reflect on moments from your past when God's goodness was evident. Remembering how God brought you to where you are today, both through triumphs and difficulties, can inspire deep gratitude for God’s ongoing care of you in your life.
"Subtract" your blessings. Consider what your life would be like without some of the people and things you often take for granted. Imagining their absence is a powerful way to renew your appreciation for their presence in your life.
Share your gratitude with others. Acknowledge and affirm the people in your life who have blessed you. Verbally thanking someone or writing a thoughtful note for their kindness or service not only strengthens relationships but also reinforces your own grateful mindset.
Give generously. Practicing generosity is a tangible expression of gratitude. When you give your time, talent, and treasure, you are tangibly showing thanks for what God has given you. This act of giving reinforces the truth that everything you have is a gift from God.
Savor the present moment. Use your senses to anchor you in the present and notice the beauty around you. Take a moment to appreciate the taste of your food, the beauty of a sunset, or the sound of birdsong. A heightened awareness of the small miracles of daily life can awaken a deeper, more constant sense of gratitude.
Look for blessings in adversity. In challenging times, gratitude can be most transformative. The apostle Paul advised giving thanks in all circumstances, not for all circumstances. While you don't have to be thankful for the pain, you can thank God for God’s continuing presence, comfort, and promise to work all things together for good.
Shift from a scarcity mindset to an abundance mindset. Instead of focusing on what you don't have or fear losing, remember God's promise to meet your needs. A grateful heart rooted in God's provision allows you to let go of scarcity and embrace abundance. This trust gives you the courage to be generous and joyful, knowing that your security is in God alone.
It is my hope that these devotionals, reminders, and suggestions will help you in your journey with God and this faith community. Be at peace. God is with you and God loves you!