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What is Stewardship?The Episcopal Church (www.episcopalchurch.org) defines Stewardship as "Our personal response to God's generosity in the way we share our resources of time, talent, and money. Stewardship reflects our commitment to making God's love known through the realities of human life and our use of all that God has given us. It is also our service to God's world and our care of creation. Parish members are encouraged to make an annual stewardship pledge. This pledge represents their specific Christian commitment to 'work, pray, and give for the spread of the kingdom of God."' (BCP p. 856)
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Some Thoughts on Stewardship
Pledging
Our parish works in some parts like a business. We have expenses – salaries, utilities, maintenance, etc., but more importantly, we have an obligation to care for our parishioners and to reach out to the greater community. We also financially assist the diocese to support their programs and ministries that help our fellow Episcopal Churches in Eastern Massachusetts. We base our budget on what we receive from the generosity of our members and any fundraising events we hold.
Our parish works in some parts like a business. We have expenses – salaries, utilities, maintenance, etc., but more importantly, we have an obligation to care for our parishioners and to reach out to the greater community. We also financially assist the diocese to support their programs and ministries that help our fellow Episcopal Churches in Eastern Massachusetts. We base our budget on what we receive from the generosity of our members and any fundraising events we hold.
How much should I give?
Only you can decide. Some people focus on proportional giving or giving a percentage of their monthly or annual giving. For others, the goal is to give the Biblical tithe. Some people choose to think in terms of a weekly amount, asking "What do I spend each week on coffee, food, entertainment, gasoline, clothes and the like--and how does this compare with what I am willing to give my church?" Giving is a spiritual practice, and the goal is to be both responsible and generous. It can be an important goal to try to increase support year by year as our costs increase annually as well.
Why pledge, instead of just giving what and when I can?
A pledge is a declaration that you will help support all that we do at Church of the Good Shepherd, and that you are committed to our ministry. Pledges allow us to prepare our annual budget and to predict what we will be able to do in the coming year. While giving to Good Shepherd at random times is always welcome, we cannot base our annual budget on donations that are not scheduled as part of a pledge. We want to be as sure as possible as to what we can commit to in the coming year.
What if I can’t give anything, or if I can only give a little?
Whether you give fifty cents or a million dollars, you are a child of God, made in God’s image and much loved. Giving is about deepening relationship with God, and about being a part of the community at Church of the Good Shepherd.
What if I can’t make my pledge, or I need to change the amount?
Things happen. People move or lose jobs--or get great new jobs or promotions! Family obligations change. If, for whatever reason, you need to change the amount you pledge, all you need to do is to call, write, or e-mail the parish office and let us know. If there is a pastoral matter that has caused you to need to change the amount you give, please let our rector know. We understand and will help where we can.
How do I know where my money is going?