Stewardship 2021
Rejoicing Faithfully - Giving Gratefully
How much should I pledge?
Determining what to pledge is an important decision. We encourage you to pledge an amount that is both responsible and audacious. A tithe is 10% of one's income, a goal often reached after incremental increases each year.
Rejoicing Faithfully - Giving gratefully
When we decided “Rejoicing Faithfully – Giving Gratefully" would make an appropriate theme for this year’s stewardship campaign, it was to counteract the losses we’ve become all-too-aware of. While the COVID pandemic has limited our activities, it has not limited our faith! We can rejoice because we are stronger, more resilient, and more connected, thanks to the gifts of technology and persistence. Thank You for doing your part, faithfully – in your homes, workplaces, schools, neighborhoods, families, and here at St Paul’s – to show that we remain the Body of Christ. Yes, we still have much to be grateful for in 2020.
It’s time to think about our stewardship and mission plans, for 2021 and beyond. This “interim” season of transition and change may be uncomfortable, but it’s also full of potential. We’ve already discovered that we can still care for each other and meet “virtually” for worship, discussion, and discernment. You’ve used a time of physical separation to uncover, hone, and put to work the gifts you’ve received from our Creator. You’ve likely found new ways to exercise your love for God and neighbor, refusing to let COVID dissuade an active faith. Alleluia!
As St. Paul’s looks for its next Rector in 2021, we will explore the ways that our generosity is enabled by gratitude; how we are formed through our relationship with Jesus; and opportunities to rejoice together, safely, while sharing our gifts with the world. Priests interested in joining us in mission will be looking at our stewardship of time, talents and treasure, as indicators of our spiritual health. Frankly, the future rests on our commitment to faithful generosity.
Your pledge matters!
Please pray over your hopes and intentions for the year ahead, and factor your faith community into your household budget for 2021. Making a pledge is important! It allows the Vestry to make plans with financial accuracy, because stewardship goes both ways – your giving and our activities – so that nothing is wasted in God’s service. All members of our Vestry will be pledging this fall, and we hope you will, too.
Thank you for joining us in Rejoicing faithfully, giving gratefully.