Stewardship

Click Here to download a copy of Rev. Kelly Brill's Stewardship letter to the congregation.

Click Here to download a copy of Moderator Lynn Green's Stewardship letter to the congregation. 

Click Here to download a pledge card that you can fill in, and return to the church office by email, or mail.  The form is a PDF that you can type in and save.

 

Q: What does stewardship mean? Is it different from fundraising? 

Q: How do I know how much to give?

Q: How does my gift compare to others?

Q: What’s the best way for the church to receive my gift?

Q: What if my income changes throughout the year?

 

Q: What does stewardship mean? Is it different from fundraising? 

 

A: Stewardship has to do with our relationship with God in two ways: God has entrusted the world to us; God has asked to be stewards or caretakers of the world. Stewardship is setting aside the gifts needed to do God’s work in the world.We recognize our dependence upon God and our thankfulness to God, and we give in response to our gratitude. So, yes, stewardship is different from fundraising. We’re not giving primarily because the church needs the money, but because we need to give. Giving is a spiritual practice, a Christian discipline which helps us to grow spiritually.

 

Q: How do I know how much to give?

 

A: Because we’re giving in relation to what we have been given, the best place to start is your own income and assets. Give a proportion, a percentage of what God has given you. The Bible asks us to give 100f our income. Some people like to give 5% to the church and 5% to other charitable institutions. Most people are on the journey towards tithing. You can take a first step by giving 1% more of your income. 

One of our members likes to say, “Give until it feels good.” Your gift should bring you joy!

 

Q: How does my gift compare to others?

 

A: In 2008, the church received 244 pledges, which were distributed in this way:

 

Amount of Annual Pledge                     Number Giving at This Level

 

             0 - $500                                                  44

       $501 - $1,000                                                61

    $1,001 - $3,000                                                88

    $3,001 - $5,000                                                23

    $5,000 – $10,000                                              19

  $10,001 – up                                                       5

 

 

Q: What’s the best way for the church to receive my gift?

 

A: People can pay weekly, monthly, or annually. The Board of Stewardship encourages gifts by Electronic Fund Transfer, so that the church receives a steady stream of income throughout the year.

 

Q: What if my income changes throughout the year?