Stewardship Reflections with The Ven. Wayne Varley

Reflections on Stewardship for Advent, Christmas & Epiphany – Year A 2025-2026

 These reflections are offered as an invitation to individuals and parishes to renew our commitment to live generously, listen deeply, and respond faithfully to God’s call upon us throughout the seasons of waiting, celebration and revelation.

Sunday November 30, 2025: The First Sunday of Advent

A Reflection based on Matthew 24:36-44

As a new church year begins, Jesus reminds us to stay awake and alert. Stewardship is not a future task that we intend to get around to – it is a present calling. Let us take stock and answer what gifts of talent, time and treasure are we being encouraged to offer now and not later?

Sunday December 7, 2025: The Second Sunday of Advent

A Reflection based on Isaiah 11:1-10

“Saint” Isaiah paints a beautiful vision of understanding and peace rooted in the divine presence of God. How are we being called to cultivate these gifts – reverence, understanding, wisdom – as faithful stewards of God’s promise in the year ahead?

Sunday December 14, 2025: The Third Sunday of Advent

A Reflection based on Matthew 11:2-11

Jesus affirms John’s unique role in preparing the way. We too are entrusted with purpose. What is being affirmed within you this Season of Advent? Thank you for your faithful stewardship in 2025 and as we wait for 2026!

Sunday December 21, 2025: The Fourth Sunday of Advent

A Reflection based on Matthew 1:18-25

Joseph listens to the voice of God in a dream and changes course. Many of us have to do the same, and often several times. How are we remaining open to the guidance of the Holy Spirit and find ourselves vulnerable and willing enough to reshape our plans?

Wednesday December 24 & Thursday December 25: Christmas Eve and Day

A Reflection on the Various Readings of the Day

We are counted among the beloved of God in the birth of Jesus. We know that this is a good and difficult time of year based on our circumstances and those of other people. Let us respond as best we can with generosity, hospitality and renewed commitment to make room for our being beloved, and for strangers, seekers, and the good news of Jesus’ birth.

Sunday December 28, 2025: The First Sunday after Christmas

A Reflection based on Matthew 2:13-23

Joseph leads his family into a hopeful and unknown future. Faithful stewardship sometimes means stepping out of “comfort zones” and into a renewed and courageous belief in God’s provision. As 2025 winds down and 2026 will soon begin, what are a few unfamiliar places to which we are being called, and are we willing to go?

Thursday January 1, 2026: The Naming of Jesus

A Reflection based on Numbers 6:22-27

God’s church is inspired by the Holy Spirit to name, know and experience Jesus, and do so with the prayer that the Lord will bless and keep us. What a gracious reminder as we begin a new year! Who are we called to bless and keep this year with healing actions and words of care and kindness?

Sunday January 4, 2026: The Epiphany of the Lord

A Reflection based on Matthew 2:1-12

The Magi seek the Christ child with devotion to the task and in anticipation of offering gifts. As 2026 begins, we are renewed in our devotion to seek, worship and serve. May the light of Christ guide us throughout this year toward love in action and generosity of spirit.

Sunday January 11, 2026: The Baptism of the Lord

A Reflection based on Matthew 3:13-17

“This is my Son, the Beloved…” echoes over the waters. May this affirmation shape our identity as faithful stewards, people who continue, persevere, repent, proclaim, seek, serve, strive, respect, sustain and renew. Our talent, time and treasure are available to us as we live into God’s mission to the world.

Sunday January 18, 2026: The Second Sunday after the Epiphany

A Reflection based on Psalm 40:1-12

“I love to do your will, O my God…” is a pretty good mission statement for faithful stewards. Enough said, at least for this week’s stewardship reflection!

Sunday January 25, 2026: The Third Sunday after the Epiphany

A Reflection based on Psalm 27:1,5-13

“The Lord is my light and salvation…” The Week of Prayer for Christian Unity begins today and all of us are entrusted with the gospel of light and salvation. What are a few ways that we collaborate across communities in the work of stewardship?

Sunday February 1, 2026: The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany

A Reflection based on Micah 6:1-8

Justice, kindness, humility – Micah’s poetic and prophetic call echoes as the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity concludes for this year. What are a few ways that we collaborated across communities and covenant to take care of things?

Sunday February 8, 2026: The Fifth Sunday after the Epiphany

A Reflection based on Isaiah 58:1-9a and Matthew 5:13-20

We are salt and light, and stewardship is the practical “living into” feeding, sheltering, clothing, and caring. How are we doing this year in bearing witness to compassion, justice, and evangelism? Thank you for doing so!

Sunday February 15, 2026: The Last Sunday after Epiphany

A Reflection based on Matthew 17:1-9

Who would not choose to stay on the holy and glorious mountain top? Jesus did not and by extension we too live in the valley of ordinary and difficult places. How are we doing this year between the mountain and valley, places of amazing grace and hard work?