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) ​

Some Thoughts and Quotes on Stewardship ​
Faith in God's love and abundance can make us joyful and hopeful, and it frees us from fear and insecurity.  Money can be a tool, or it can be a trap; we release the spiritual power money has over us by being generous.  Here are some quotes on financial stewardship:

  • "No one has ever become poor by giving. -- Anne Frank
  • "I never would have been able to tithe the first million dollars I ever made if I had not tithed my first salary, which was $7.50 a week." -- John D. Rockefeller, Sr.
  • "The only investment I ever made which has paid consistently increasing dividends is the money I have given to the Lord." -- James L. Kraft, founder Kraft Foods
The Bible on Money and Giving 
Jesus speaks much more frequently in the gospels about money and about using it to further God's kingdom than he does even about prayer. Here are a few Biblical perspectives on stewardship and generosity. 

" Do not store up for ourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust consume and where thieves break in and steal; but store up for yourselves treasures in heaven. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. " -- Matthew 6: 19, 21 

"The earth is the Lord's and all that is in it, the world, and those who live in it." - Psalm 24: 1 

"The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully. Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. And God is able to provide you with every blessing in abundance, so that by always having enough of everything you may share abundantly in every good work." -- Corinthians 9: 6-8 
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​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 and in terms of worship and outreach, helping those who need our help.  We also financially assist the diocese to support their programs and ministries that help all of the churches in our diocese.

We base our budget on what we receive from the generosity of our members and any fundraising events we hold.  This is much the same with any other denomination’s parishes.
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Frequently Asked Questions​
We understand that some of you are people who joined Good Shepherd who came from other denominations that do not practice pledging.  Many of these denominations base their budget on donations on a week-to-week basis. For small parishes like Good Shepherd, it is difficult to plan our worship, outreach and the day-to-day activities using this strategy.  Hence, the Episcopal church use a process called pledging, where we ask you to commit to the best of your ability a weekly, monthly or even an annual donation.
​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?

Our budget is a public document. It is prepared by a budget committee, approved by the vestry, and presented and ratified at the annual meeting. We track very closely the money we spend, and financial reports are submitted to the vestry each month. The vestry must authorize all spending. You can request a copy of the budget or a financial statement at any time, and you can address any specific question or concern to the rector, the wardens, the members of the Stewardship committee or any member of the vestry.

Click here for a video from Saint Columba's Episcopal church in Washington DC (www.columba.org) that simply explains the process and why we pledge.

For further information. Here are links to more information on Stewardship and Pledging:
cgs_pledging_calculator.xlsx
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 ​There are many ways you can donate money to our parish. Click here for a guide to giving and instructions on how to use Realm, our on-line pledging and donation web site.

Click to open the 2025 Pledge form

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Church of the good Shepherd

95 Woburn Street, Reading, MA 01867
Phone: 781-944-1572
Email: [email protected]
Office Hours: M-W-TH 9AM-1PM