The Practice of Stewardship
As with many churches, we place our practices of giving under the heading of Stewardship. The belief that we are not possessors but rather caretakers of God's gifts informs how we offer those gifts to the world. Stewardship applies to our offerings of time and talent as well as to our financial giving.
Please read below for more information about giving at St. Paul's.
Dear Friends in Christ,
The discipline of stewardship has both a practical and a spiritual dimension. St. Paul’s relies on the faithfulness and generosity of our many members to support and facilitate the ongoing operations of our parish. All the ministries we offer and the many activities that take place on our property—everything we do is activated and sustained by your financial commitment to this community.
Stewardship is also a spiritual exercise of grace and gratitude. We give as a response of thanksgiving for the many blessings God has given us, and an expression of faith in God’s abundance and continued provision. Scripture encourages us to be willing and cheerful givers—to not be motivated by guilt or grudging obligation, but by a spirit of love and joy—as we do our part in helping to grow and spread God’s kingdom.
As you consider how you might approach the discipline of stewardship in your own life, I encourage you to make a formal commitment by filling out and returning the enclosed pledge card to the church on or before Sunday, November 3. By “going on record” in this way and showing your support for our shared work, you will help us vision for our future in building our budget for the upcoming year.
When our hearts are dedicated to Christ and when we share in the hope of his gospel, we will quite naturally be moved to willing and joyful generosity, and our gifts will together be magnified for God’s glory and purposes in this time and place.
Yours in faith and gratitude,
The Reverend Jody Burnett
Ways of Giving
in person, online & by Text
We are pleased to be able to offer convenient and secure ways to give directly online (see above) or by text message (click here for more info), and at the same time we appreciate the importance of the physical act of giving. Whether sending in a monthly pledge envelope by mail or placing your gift in the offering plate on Sunday, these acts are meaningful spiritual practices, which will not be displaced by newer digital options.
Annual Giving
Annual giving refers to the gifts that make up our operating budget. The practice of submitting a pledge for the upcoming year is vital to our planning for the building up of our ministries. However, we know that this is not ideally suited for all people. Whether in the form of a pledge or a one-time gift, what we offer back to God out of the abundance of our lives is always a matter for prayer and consideration, bringing our material lives into the fold of our spiritual selves. The generosity of our parish makes a great deal possible here at St. Paul's, and we thank you. Click here for a list of Frequently Asked Questions.
Perpetual Memorial & Endowment
The St. Paul's Episcopal Church Memorial Endowment Fund was established in 2005 with the mission to preserve the heritage we have received, to expand and grow the Body of Christ here and in the world, and for the enrichment of our spiritual lives through education. As a memorial fund, it provides an ideal means of perpetuating the memory of loved ones in a most significant manner. Look for more information in the fund's Annual Report, issued each spring, or contact Mrs. Brenda Ferguson in the church office.
