Do not be afraid, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the Kingdom…
Be dressed for action and have your lamps lit…
You also must be ready…
Peter said, “Lord, are you telling this parable for us or for everyone?”
And the Lord said, “who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master will set over his household, to give them their portion of food at the proper time? Blessed is that servant whom his master will find so doing when he comes.” –Luke 12:32, 35, 40, 42
Dear APUMC Family,
This passage from Luke’s gospel helps to set the stage for our worship this Sunday. This teaching occurs during Jesus’ journey to Jerusalem, as He prepares His disciples for His eventual departure and their ongoing mission. I get a chuckle from Peter’s question: Lord, are you talking to me? The household imagery common to first century Palestine—masters, stewards, and servants—may sound disorienting to our present worldview (or at least I hope it does!), but YES, he is most certainly talking to us.
Jesus calls us to live as faithful stewards, not absent landlords of our lives. True readiness isn’t anxious waiting, but responsible action—caring for those entrusted to us while we await Christ’s return. Our accountability is proportional to what we’ve been given: greater gifts, knowledge, and opportunities create greater responsibility. The question isn’t when Jesus will return, but how we’re living in the meantime.
“Be ready”--A call to spiritual vigilance and preparedness.
“Faithful and wise manager”--Emphasizing stewardship over ownership.
“At the proper time”--Highlights responsible timing and care for others.
“Much was given…much will be required” –The principle of proportional accountability based on gifts and knowledge received.
In our instant-gratification culture, passages like this one challenge us to think long-term. Whether managing our families, workplace or communities, we’re called to serve faithfully even when no one is watching–especially when no one is watching.
Last year, I told you that Kristi and I have made a habit of giving at least 10% of our annual income to our church home. Our estimate of giving for 2025 was $18,500. We are grateful for God’s goodness to us in providing for the completion of that commitment this year. This Sunday, we intend to present an estimate of giving for $19,500 for the purpose of Reaching Out in 2026.
We trust that God will help us to do that. We hope that we can do more, but that will be the figure on our card. I want to be specific about this, not to be awkward, but because it is important to us for you to have some idea of what this church means to us and what we believe about the kingdom of God that is here and yet to come at Ashland Place UMC.
When the Spirit of God asks me about what has been entrusted to me by way of time, talents, treasures and relationships–or whether I am using my gifts to serve others or primarily myself–I am compelled to open my hands. By faith, there is an internal shift that keeps happening, little by little, from self-defensiveness and hostility to openness and hospitality. And so the growth on the outside is hopefully a reflection of the inside. That is my prayer. I hope that it never ends. In that transformation, I find joy. It is that simple.
Reaching Out is ultimately the movement of God in us. It is about a new creation. Thus, I am excited to share more of this good news with you this Sunday. Are you ready? I hope you will make plans to be with us for worship and for our Celebration Brunch at 10:00 in the Fellowship Hall. Just bring yourselves. We’ll have a place at the table for you!
Come to me, come to us, broken or building, come with your children, your choices, your chains.
All are invited to friendship or rest, to share in our struggle, our call and our quest.
For Christ and His Church,
Darren