Statement on Good Stewardship

At St. James’ Episcopal Church, we believe that stewardship is a joyful response to God’s abundant grace. Everything we have, our time, our talents, our resources, and the beauty of creation entrusted to us, is a gift from God. As followers of Christ, we are called to use these gifts faithfully, generously, and wisely for the building up of God’s kingdom.

           Good stewardship at St. James’ means nurturing a spirit of gratitude, recognizing that our church thrives through the shared commitment of its people. It means caring for our parish community, supporting ministries that serve our neighbors in Las Cruces and beyond, and sustaining a place where all are welcomed, fed, and formed in the love of Christ.

         We commit ourselves to transparency, responsibility, and prayerful discernment in the use of all resources entrusted to us. We offer our gifts not out of obligation, but out of thanksgiving, trusting that God will multiply them for the healing and transformation of the world.

         As a community of faith, we walk together giving, serving, and growing in the confidence that God is doing more through us than we can ask or imagine. As your new Rector, I look forward to working with you to expand our ministries, pastoral care, and to re-establish children's ministries and adult formation. Your vestry members have done the good work of calling a rector to serve you. Now, I ask that you prayerfully consider making a pledge on or before our gathering Sunday, November 30, at the combined service, and then continue our joyous celebration with our parish potluck. Our financial goal is $172,000, which is only the beginning to cover all our administrative expenses, in particular the expenses associated with hiring and relocating your new rector. I will also join you in prayer and Thanksgiving, and I will offer my pledge on Sunday, November 30th, as well. I always tell people when they ask, "Father Peter, how much should I pledge? My answer is super simple. When you write your pledge, you should have a smile on your face. If you don't, you are not pledging enough!