Perspective on Stewardship

Abounding in Hope

“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13)

For all of us, hope, trust, and discipline complement one another. These were instilled into me by my parents and my father’s mother. These attributes were further reinforced by my wife after we got married.

I was brought up as a Lutheran, and I came to Shadyside Presbyterian Church (SPC) three weeks after my arrival in the United States, and then Pittsburgh, in August of 1963. The SPC ministers, staff, and congregation made me feel immediately at home. A similar welcome was extended to my wife. Both of our children were baptized at SPC, both of them were married here, and our granddaughter was also baptized at SPC.

Helga and I, as grandparents, continue our membership here, as the “younger” generations live much farther away, but their spirits are always at home. We are very thankful for the continuing expressions of love. In the last two years, we also received lots of support from the SPC staff and congregation, providing for our lasting hope, another beacon in our lives.

Contributed by Peter J. Freymark, with Helga G. Freymark