The Work of Our Hands

“Let the favor of the Lord our God be upon us, and prosper for us the work of our hands …”

Psalm 91:17

In Lent, I was asked to provide a teaching on Christian Stewardship during the Wednesday Lenten Program, “Turn Your Eyes Upon Jesus: The Seven Christian Habits.” It was a challenging teaching because stewardship is a challenging subject! It is very personal, requiring reflection on how we use our time, talents and treasure. Stewardship is much more than figuring out how much you should pledge of your treasure each year to your Parish family … although that does factor into our overall stewardship of what God has entrusted to us.

No, stewardship is more about how we work with God to tend and care for God’s creation. It is how we use what we have been given for the glory of God.

Too often, talent has been relegated to vocation … which itself has been relegated to having “a job” or “earning a living,” but vocation comes from the Latin word for “calling.” While we may work at home or outside the home that can be experienced as a calling, there is also this sense of using your talents for other purposes rather than just earning a living. Lay ministry is crucial in the life of the Church, especially at St. Martin’s.

I am privileged to work with many ministries at St. Martin’s. And there are a few that I consider my “artistic” ministries, where each week I enter their time together and am astonished by the creative work that these lay ministers do.

The Prayer Shawl ministry does more than knit or crochet prayer shawls – they knit hats for young adults aging out of foster care so they know they are loved and “covered” with prayer; they make baby blankets for mothers who give birth while incarcerated; they make washcloths for the homeless; and much more than space allows. Each item is so unique and beautiful.

I also am the chaplain for two needlepoint ministries, the Saintly Stitchers and St. Clare’s Needlepoint Guild, whose work you kneel on in The Church and purchase in the Gift Shoppe, the proceeds of which benefit our Outreach programs. I have seen women and men learn this craft and produce extraordinary offerings.

And finally, there are the Blanket Ladies (and men) who hem flannel into baby blankets for babies at Ben Taub and LBJ Hospitals. We are told by personnel at these public hospitals that the blankets are likely the only new gift these newborns receive. Each of these ministries provides life-giving gifts to those in need. Isn’t that an Easter vocation that gives life to others all year?

These ministries always need new ministers to join them in learning about these crafts, dedicating time to create and giving of themselves to those in need. You will find patient and gifted teachers if you come forward and offer your time and talent!