“Therefore Go: The Laity Becoming Stewards of God’s Varied Gifts”

“We, the lay people, who are not part of the clergy, have a role in the church...”

-Thelma Japzon- Chairperson, LUMC Church Council

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Every month of October, the United Methodist Church, particularly in the Quezon City Philippines Annual Conference East, celebrates the Laity Month-- the time when the church underscores the value of the ministry of the lay members of the church.

Traditionally, during this month-long celebration, lay members are given the opportunity to share in the pulpit ministry of the church to highlight the fact that God’s call to service is not limited to the office of the clergy but is directed toward all believers, and God has endowed each one natural and spiritual gifts he or she can use.

This year, the emphasis is on being stewards of God’s Varied Gifts (1 Peter 4:10-11). Each Sunday of the month, the message of life revolves around a particular topic.

On the first Sunday, the theme is “Becoming Stewards of God’s Living Faith”. “Becoming Stewards of God’s Gifts of Talents” on the second; “Becoming Stewards of God’s Heavenly Treasures and Eartly Toils” on the third; “Becoming Stewards of God’s Environment” on the fourth and on the fifth, “Becoming Stewards of God’s Time”.

As lay servants of the UMC, our purpose is to care, lead and communicate the message and purpose of God to everyone at all times with all truthfulness, humility, and obedience. We all have a role to play in the church, and we must be faithful to it as God’s good stewards of His varied gifts.