Stewardship is not simply about a pledge campaign: it is how we honor our relationship with God, and with one another, year-round.
In the Old Testament, the Israelites gave their time and materials to build the first tabernacle (Ex 35). The practice of setting aside a tenth of the crop is found in the Law, which also admonished the Israelites to leave grain behind in their fields for the foreigner, the orphan, and the widow (Lev 27; Deut 24). The first believers “would sell their possessions and goods and distribute the proceeds to all, as any had need” (Acts 2). There is no hard-and-fast rule about what and how much to contribute: that is a matter of personal discernment. What is important to note is that our time, talent, and treasure work together to support the common good of the faith community. Financial giving is an expression of love and trust, an essential step in deepening our faith.
Our clergy and Stewardship Committee would be happy to speak with you about the difference your financial gift makes in our community. We encourage everyone to start this journey by making an annual pledge to support the mission and ministry of St. Paul’s.
We understand, however, that some may not be ready to make an annual pledge. Any donation is a meaningful step in your stewardship journey. Pledges can also be adjusted if circumstances warrant.
The following committees are part of our stewardship mission:
Annual Stewardship Campaign Committee. The Stewardship Committee encourages donors to view themselves as stewards of the gifts that God has provided, and to freely and selflessly give of those gifts to further the mission and ministries of St. Paul’s.
Endowment Board. Manages the St. Paul’s Endowment Fund and disbursement of the Endowment’s investment income. The Board also facilitates educational opportunities for planned giving and serves as a contact point for parishioners interested in planned giving.
Finance Committee. Monitors and reports on the financial health of the parish during the year, makes recommendations to the vestry on financial items that could improve its financial health, and prepares the annual budget and year-end statement for the vestry’s approval.
Giving Board. This group works to support and coordinate fundraising efforts by maintaining a calendar of church fundraising activities, promoting awareness of parish fundraising policies, reviewing and approving applications for fundraising events, and by serving as an idea sounding board for parish groups seeking to raise funds and collect non-monetary donations.