Stewardship Week: Monday
1 John 4:19
Today is Monday, October 12th, 2026, and on this date in 1931, the statue of Christ the Redeemer was dedicated above Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The enormous figure of Jesus, standing high on Corcovado Mountain with arms outstretched, was made possible through years of planning, work, and donations. People gave toward something that would continue to bear witness long after the dedication was over.
What draws me to this image is the posture of Jesus. His arms are not folded. His hands are not held back. They are extended outward, as though embracing the city below. What a beautiful reminder of the love of Christ!
One of my favorite verses in Scripture comes from the Apostle John. In his first epistle, verse 19, he says, “We love because God first loved us.” In our United Methodist tradition, we speak of prevenient grace: God’s love reaching toward us before we recognize it or know how to respond. Before we take a step toward Christ, He is already drawing us toward Himself. We do not have to persuade God to love us. His love comes first.
Now our stewardship theme for 2026, “Faithful Today, Fruitful Tomorrow,” begins with this understanding. Generosity is our grateful response to what God has already given. We do not give to earn God’s welcome. We give because, in Christ, we have been welcomed, forgiven, and invited into a new life.
Think for a moment about someone who helped you experience that welcome. Perhaps a parent prayed with you. A Sunday school teacher patiently answered your questions. Someone noticed you standing alone and made room beside them. Through that person’s faithfulness, the love of God became more than something you heard about. It became something you experienced.
At St. Andrew UMC, we have the opportunity to extend that same welcome. Our giving supports places where children can learn about Jesus, people can worship, and neighbors can discover they belong. Our willingness to serve gives that welcome a face and a voice. The person who needs it tomorrow may be someone we haven't met yet.
Today, give thanks for the people who have loved you and radiated God’s love into the world. Then prayerfully consider how your own gifts might help someone else experience God’s love. A statue can remind a city of Christ’s open arms. A faithful congregation can extend them through daily acts of love. May that be our witness!
Let us pray:
Dear God, thank you for loving us before we knew how to love you. Open our hearts and hands, and use our generosity to welcome others into the life we share in Christ. Amen.
Rev. Geoff Beakley
