Steward:  someone who manages property or affairs for someone else.

On Sunday, Bill preached about the role of our sin in the process of us being conformed to the image of Christ for the sake of others.  He reminded us of some key truths:

• it is never too late for God’s grace to change us radically
• don’t focus on your sin, but don’t forget it either.

I was encouraged by Bill’s assertion–  that all of us have a story of God’s grace in our lives.  God has either rescued out of something or kept us from something.  Are you aware of what God has done?  Are you aware of the roads He has kept you from traveling?  Are you aware of the things from which He has set you free?

The aspect we admire in St. Paul is that he knew when to tell the story of God’s grace in his life and he knew how to tell it to the audience he was with.  Paul was a steward of his past.  Paul was a steward of the evil he had done and the evil from which he had been saved.  Paul knew that his sin was something that could be redeemed for the purpose God was doing in his life.  As we grow in Christ, we must learn to steward all of what we have been given… well.

New to Restoration Dinner:  about 50 folks will descend on Restoration tonight for dinner.  They will hear about our story and where we think God is taking us in the future.  I love the enthusiasm around this church–  the excitement to get involved and serve and live life together.  We do this dinner 3 times a year and it is always a blast.   Wondering where we fit 50 people at tables for dinner??  Come check it out…

Vestry Retreat:  our vestry heads off to Meadowkirk for 24 hours this weekend.  We are praying over initial ideas from our long range facility team, giving thanks for our growing staff team, and listening to the Lord for particular emphases in the year ahead.  We can’t wait to talk about it with you at our parish meeting on February 28.

A service of thanksgiving for the life of Patrick Kelly will be this Friday at 11am at The Falls Church.  The whole Restoration family is invited to remember our friend, to offer support to his wife and daughter, and to celebrate the hope of the resurrection.

Hope you are enjoying your small groups.  I am praying for you.

-David