Prayer Witness Talk
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2019 Stewardship of Prayer Witness Talk - James Summers
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STEWARDSHIP OF PRAYER WITNESS TALK
PRESENTED BY: James Summers
FEBRUARY 23/24, 2019
Good evening (morning). As Father said, I’m James Summers. Best know by most as Wendy’s husband.
I’ve been blessed to be asked to speak to you about Stewardship of prayer. As Scripture tells us, “There are different kinds of spiritual gifts but the same Spirit. there are different forms of service but the same Lord; there are different workings but the same God who produces all of them in everyone”. This teaching starts to tell us about the gifts God gives us so that we can be church … be a vital, functioning, contributing part of the Body of Christ.
Some of you know that Wendy and I came to this area in 1999 due to a job offer I received. What you may not know is that we had come from a large parish in Wheaton Ill, just west of Chicago. My experience in that parish was not the best. I actually had to fight to be allowed to be a lector despite 10 years of experience at a previous parish.
When we bought our house in Granger this was the closest Catholic Church. But it reminded me of the one in Wheaton and I really, really, really did not want to come here. But Wendy insisted we give it a try and as any husband knows, one of the secrets to a long happy marriage is knowing when to say, “Yes dear”. So, we came.
At this point you should be asking what does this have to do with Stewardship of prayer? Well, I want you to think about the gifts you have been blessed with. I want you to think of the impact sharing those gifts might have on you and everyone you might touch.
Back in ’99 we walked in the doors of the old church and my attitude was something less than prayerful. And out of nowhere this couple, Bill and Nancy Wieger just appeared and said, “Welcome to St. Pius”. This was before we had hospitality ministers. This was just this couple sharing their gift of kindness. I know in that moment I saw Jesus in Bill’s eyes. I’m sure if it hadn’t been for that moment, I would not have had the many opportunities afforded to me to proclaim the word here. I’m sure if it had not been for that moment, I would not have gone on a Christ Renews His Parish Weekend. I’m NOT sure that if it hadn’t been for that moment, I’d still be a Catholic much less studying to become a permanent deacon.
So, the question is what is your gift? How is God asking you to share it? How might sharing it change your life for the betterment of the body? How might your gift change the lives of others in ways that only God knows?
I know Bill and Nancy dramatically changed my life in that brief moment. I’ve been told they touched many, many others in this church the same way.
There are so many ways to share your Gifts at St Pius. You might be like me and love to Proclaim the Word. You might have a voice that needs to be in the choir. You might be able to work with kids in a loving and special way.
You might be able to change a life by saying “You are welcomed here.”
I ask you to take some time today, this week and pray on it. And soften your heart so that you can listen and consider this bit of Scripture: "Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? Who will go for us?” “Here I am” I said. “Send me”."
Thank you. God bless.