Stewardship
Stewardship - A Way of Life
All of life is a gift from God. Stewardship is about being grateful, responsible stewards of those gifts we receive from God. Stewardship rejects the scarcity mindset that society lures us towards and encourages us to embrace a theology of abundance that is life-giving. Financial giving out of the abundance that God has given us allows us to grow deeper in our relationship with God and one another. The tradition of giving back to God and to the church comes from the Biblical practice of “tithing,” which means to give back a tenth of our financial earnings to God (Numbers 18:26). Many people who have taken on financial stewardship as a spiritual practice, have found it a rewarding and life-giving practice.
God has endowed each of us with talent and skills. Sharing these God-given gifts for mission and ministry allows us to be co-creators with God as we thrive to build up the Kingdom here and now.
St. Mary's relies on charitable donations to fund its mission and ministry in Kerrisdale and beyond. Some might be surprised to know that our budget is not funded by the Diocese or the larger Anglican Church. Each fall we invite members to submit a financial pledge or a promise of financial giving so that we can plan how best to allocate our resources for next year. Pledges allow us to:
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offer opportunities for fellowship and community,
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educate future generations of Christians,
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launch mission and outreach endeavours,
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provide pastoral care,
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share with others the good news of God’s love, and
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continue as a place of worship for all.
There are many opportunities to volunteer your talents at St. Mary’s. Your generous gifts of time enable us to:
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provide worship online and in-person
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provide fellowship to youth, families and seniors
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learn and grow our faith
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reach out to address the needs of those less fortunate
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support those who are sick, lonely or less abled
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be a community of faith
Your generous donations of talent, time, and treasure can help us continue these important works.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stewardship?
What I do, with all that I have, after I say, "I believe" and using the gifts God has given us, to do the work God is calling us to do. Christian stewardship is a grateful and responsible use of God's gifts in the light of God's purpose as revealed in Jesus Christ. Christian stewards, empowered by the Holy Spirit, commit themselves to conscious, purposeful decisions.
Stewardship is lived out by:
• Living and telling the good news
• Sharing God in seeking justice, peace, and the integrity of creation in an interdependent universe
• Wisely employing God-given human resources, abilities, and relationships
• Sharing material resources we hold and giving them in service, justice, and compassion
• Providing for future generations, sharing in the life, worship, and responsible stewardship of the Church and of its mission
Why should I pledge?
There are many reasons to pledge, of which the following may help you to determine whether to pledge or not:
• It is an important part of your faith journey.
• It is a promise to your faith community.
• It is an active witness.
• It helps the Parish Council develop a more accurate plan for the church year.
Can't I just make a donation?
Yes, you can… but, by making a pledge, not only are you making a stewardship commitment, but you are also helping the church as a whole to practice good stewardship. Pledging provides critical information for our church leaders as they work to prepare a balanced budget. During this time when things are particularly challenging, making wise financial decisions as an organization is even more critical.
When and how do I make payments?
Pledge payments may be made at any time during the course of the year. Most households choose to make weekly, monthly, or quarterly payments. Credit cards can be set to auto charge, cheque accounts to automatic debit, and we can now accept e-transfer as well. (Debit, cheques, and E-transfers all significantly reduce our bank fees!) If you wish, you may honour your pledge through a gift of shares, simply contact the church office for more information.
Please call the office and speak to our Rector, Lindsay Hills
604-261-4228 or send a confidential inquiry to lhills@stmaryskerrisdale.ca