Stewardship
MAKE YOUR 2024 Stewardship Pledge TODAY!
Stewardship: You are the LIGHT of the World!
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“You are the LIGHT of the world … let your LIGHT shine before others, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father who is in heaven …”
Matthew 5:14,16
What is Stewardship?
The simplest definition is: “Stewardship is what you do with the gifts God gave you.” Nothing more complicated than that. All our worldly possessions are gifts from God for the limited time we are on this earth. What we do with these gifts is one measure of whether our souls are prepared for salvation. From offering help to those in need to offering the first fruits to our Lord, Stewardship is a way of life.
“Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the first fruits of all your produce: then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.” (Proverbs 3:9-10)
What does the Bible say about Stewardship?
Give without show– “Let not your left hand know what your right hand is doing.” (Matt.6:3).
Give with regularity in proportion– “Upon the first day of the week let everyone of you lay by him in store, as God has prospered him.” (I Cor. 16:2)
Give liberally – “He who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and he who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” (II Cor. 9:6)
Give cheerfully – “Let everyone give as his heart tells him, neither grudgingly, nor under compulsion, for God loves the man that gives cheerfully.” (II Cor. 9:7)
WHO IS INCLUDED IN THE STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM?
The Stewardship pledge includes husband, wife, children and all dependents. If self-supporting members of the family over the age of 18 live with their parents, they would make their own separate pledge. Family membership allows each Orthodox spouse voting privileges in parish matters. Young or old however, the purpose of stewardship is to involve all age groups in the life of the Church. Even our youngest parishioners are welcome to partake in being active members of the mission and teachings of our Lord.
WHAT WILL MY STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE COVER?
Through your unwavering stewardship, the many ministries of our Church are able to flourish and remain impactful in the lives of our faithful, young and old. Your generosity is also vital in supporting worship and education, maintenance of our facility, remuneration, outreach, as well as stewardship to our National Church.
WHEN DOES THE STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM BEGIN?
Our Stewardship Program is based on a calendar year. We ask that you pledge in January for the coming year and fulfill your pledge either on a recurring or one time basis as you see fit.
HOW MUCH SHOULD I GIVE TO MY CHURCH?
We are called to love God with our entire being – our time, talent and treasure. Give to Christ and His Church not just according to our means but also according to our love for Him, and give sacrificially.
The Bible encourages tithing as a guideline for giving. Tithing is when one gives cheerfully and voluntarily 10% of one’s annual income for the glory and support of His Church. If you cannot give 10%, begin at 2 or 3% and challenge yourself to increase the percentage each year. Our financial commitment to God and His Church is honorable as long as it is considered before other gifts (“first fruits”). In 2020 the average annual gift was just shy of $1000.
HOW CONFIDENTIAL IS MY STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE?
Only those specifically authorized by the Parish Council to handle Stewardship have access to these records. We maintain strict confidentiality.
HOW SHALL I PAY MY STEWARDSHIP PLEDGE?
For your convenience, multiple platforms are available to fulfill your pledge. Whether you choose the traditional means of mailing a check, or setting up a recurring online payment, our goal is to make this a convenient and seamless process for you. Feel free to click on our secure link to our pledge and Stewardship Payment form!