Year Round Stewardship and Annual Commitment.

Transcription

Year-Round Stewardship Education
And
The Annual Commitment Program
A Workshop Resource
Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes ♦ February, 2011
Contents:
Text of Workshop Outline
Note:
Text in “boxes” represents PowerPoint® slides
This “tool box” symbol highlights the location of material identified in the
Appendix
Pages 15 – 16
Six Best Practices – Stewardship Strategy Assessment
Appendix 1
Word cloud graphic and definition of a Christian Steward
Appendix 2
Popular Bible passages for teaching Christian Stewardship
Appendix 3
Six Best Practices in Year-Round Stewardship
Appendix 4
Monitoring Key Indicators
Appendix 5
Creating the Vestry Stewardship Statement
Appendix 6
3 - Sample Year-Round Stewardship Plans (“live” Excel® files also included)
Appendix 7
Liturgical Season Teaching Opportunities
Appendix 8
Stewardship Hymns
Appendix 9
Prayers of the People (“live” Word® file also included)
Appendix 10
Worship Bulletin and Newsletter Resources
Appendix 11
Share Your Story
Appendix 12
Vision for Mission Samples
Appendix 13
Popular Financial Commitment Programs
Appendix 14
Essential Stewardship Resources and “Other Useful Documents”
Tom Gossen, Executive Director
TENS (The Episcopal Network for Stewardship)
tom@tens.org
http://www.tens.org
800-699-2669 (ext 2) or 316-686-0470 (ext 2)
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Year-Round Stewardship Education
And
The Annual Commitment Program
tom@tens.org
http://tens.org
800-699-2669 (ext 2)
February, 2011
Consortium of Endowed Episcopal Parishes
OPENING PRAYER
“Blessed are you, God of the universe, for the abundance you have showered on each of us. It is enough,
and more than enough. Make our hearts glad, open our hands, and let us see through eyes of blessing.”
The Most Rev. Katherine Jefferts Schori.
WHY YEAR-ROUND EDUCATION?
“… all learning and action must begin with the question why?”
Aristotle
A wise mentor offered this wisdom early in my journey as a stewardship consultant, “people
give to the extent that their spiritual health permits.” Through reflection that statement I have
come to understand that the purpose of a comprehensive year-round stewardship program in
the congregation is the nurture of a deeper commitment – to discipleship for the spread of
God’s Kingdom including inspiring generosity for the funding of the mission of the church.
Stewardship education programs should help the members of the congregation gain a holistic
understanding of stewardship, both biblically and theologically. Members of all ages should be
invited to participate in experiential ways of discovering what it means to be stewards of the
God’s gifts. A comprehensive year-round stewardship program can identify and plan for
stewardship education for all ages, throughout the year, encompassing all aspects of parish life.
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A holistic understanding of Christian Stewardship is not just about stewardship being my annual
pledge of money to the church.
Have the Stewardship Ministry Team develop the belief statement you ask the
vestry to approve. After approval, find some way to make it publically known.
Appendix 1 includes two samples of a “word cloud” graphic with the following
definition:
To be a Christian Steward is to strive to be a faithful disciple of Jesus, a zealous
proclaimer of his message and a responsible caretaker of all the gifts and blessings given
daily by the loving God, our creator and sustainer. Jesus Christ calls us to love, follow,
know and proclaim him in the world without regard for the difficulties and resistance we
experience. The faithful Christian Steward responds generously to the call out of
gratitude and joy.
Teach the Biblical Basis of Christian Stewardship:
Appendix 2 is a list of popular bible passages for teaching Christian stewardship
principals. Also included is a popular format for inductive bible study.
Clearly affirm that:
Our Christian faith puts giving at the central point in our relationship with God.
The biblical story is about giving, receiving, using, and giving back, and the indisputable
giver is always God. God gives. God’s followers give.
Christian Stewardship is “how” Christians strive to love God above all else and love neighbor as
self. At our baptism we are initiated into the “household of God” and our behavior in how we
manage ourselves and all that is entrusted to us is evidence of how we live into our baptismal
covenant.
STEWARDSHIP: the practice of celebrating all of life as a trust to be managed on God’s
behalf.
The Church can help us to be good stewards, exercising God’s trust in us – for God’s purposes,
for the greater good, and for our own joy through EDUCATION (Christian Formation.)
Giving is likewise not an option such as the disposal of discretionary assets. All Christians are
givers, or they cannot wear the label: “GOD GIVES SO YOU CAN!”
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We Give Because We Have Been Graced
God has given each of us time, potential, and opportunities so that our lives can fulfill a
purpose, and at the same time, strengthen the work of Christ.
God’s giving is not determined by our giving.
God is the continual giver who waits for our responses to those gifts.
When we fail to teach the people who worship with us the principles of Christian giving
we frustrate them.
The World We Live In
While God invites us to actively live in the narrative of the Gospel (24/7/365), the narrative of
the culture has other messages that lure us away into focusing on such things as …
 There will never be enough (I must accumulate in order to not run out of …. )
 I must spend because I need “more” in order to achieve identity and inclusion
These conflicting messages of the culture that are broadcast to us every day in literally
thousands of ways can cause great tension. Is there any wonder people are resistant to having
open conversation about giving away that which the culture says we need and will simply never
have enough.
WHAT CAN WE DO TO COUNTER THE NARRATIVE OF THE CULTURE?
Author Frank McCourt, in his book Teacher Man: A Memoir, offers a succinct universal
explanation of the purpose of education: that is, to move us from a position of fear to one of
freedom. McCourt also notes that perhaps we never fully reach a position of complete
freedom, and that moving from fear to freedom is a process rather than an event.
The reason for year-round stewardship education is no different. Fear, after all, is the single
greatest barrier to an individual’s movement into a deeper level of understanding and the
freedom to make commitments in all forms of time, talent, and treasure.
Faith and commitment cannot thrive when understood and presented in terms of
problems that must be overcome and needs that must be met.
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Be Intentional About Year-Round Education
Stress the narrative of the Gospel and what it means to be a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ.
“Be Church” in Ways That Nurture Generosity and Faithful Discipleship
Appendix 3 includes a brochure outlining the Six Best Practices in Year-Round
Congregational Stewardship identified by a careful survey of congregations in the
United Church of Canada. All six best practices influence giving in their own ways.
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Operational Management (including financial)
Stewardship Integration in Worship
Stewardship Formation
Stewardship Leadership
Spiritual-Nurture Opportunities
Engagement in Social-Justice Concerns
Establish a Stewardship Leadership Team
 Identify Where You Want To Be? What’s the vision?
Be clear about the understanding leadership hopes others will come to have.
 Discern Your Current Reality?
What ministry programs offer an opportunity to nurture deeper understanding?
Is there a clear understanding of mission?
Do we have a current Vestry Stewardship Statement?
How often do we hear stewardship sermons?
 Create Your Dashboard.
Appendix 4 is an article on Monitoring Key Indicators that suggests what to track
on a regular basis. Don’t forget to identify who will collect the data and prepare
the reports!
 Seek Advice from other ministry program leaders (This is how we see the reality and the
opportunity for change. How do you think your ministry team can participate?)
 Draft your plan (see discussion and resources on next page.)
 Get By-in From Vestry and other Ministry Team Leaders
Reach agreement on the role each ministry team will have. The role of the clergy and
vestry is critical if there is to be any change in the culture of the congregation around
financial stewardship issues. The vestry has a wonderful opportunity to develop a
stewardship statement that identifies what the vestry members believe and do and
invites members of the parish to prayerfully consider their own beliefs and
practices. Appendix 5 includes an outline for preparing a vestry stewardship
statement and several sample vestry stewardship statements along with
suggestions on where you can get assistance.
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 Present the Plan and Ask the Vestry to Approve the Plan
Be very clear about expectations of the vestry.
CREATING THE PLAN
 Establish an understanding of the stewardship committee=s role in motivating and
coordinating stewardship ministry.
 Develop calendars for regular short term needs, for periodic emphasis, and for long-range
plans. Lay out a multi-year plan.
 Provide Regular Reporting
 Keep in Touch - Provide specific opportunities for all members to participate in planning
congregational ministries and register their opinions about them.
Appendix 6 includes sample planning documents to assist you in designing your
format. The first is from the Commission on Stewardship of the Diocese of Texas.
The second is a PDF file of a web page from the Diocese of West Texas (with live
links). And the third is from St. Patrick’s, Dublin, OH. The resources from the
Diocese of TX and St. Patrick’s are also included as Excel files that you can customize for
creating your plan.
When to Teach
Giving, as a principle of our faith, should be taught and re-taught at every age.
Giving is both a very difficult act for a child, and a very easy act for a child. Is it right that few
youth are expected to give? They are seldom asked to make financial commitments. Most
youth projects expect adults to be the source of funding! Giving may be extremely painful to
newlyweds, while giving opportunities may be sought by senior citizens. Yet the economic fact
is that couples often have their highest income in their earlier years of marriage, while seniors
often have a vastly reduced income.
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When Should We Teach?
All Who Seek Membership
Prior to and Throughout Commitment Programs
Sermons
At the Offertory
Monthly & Quarterly Reports
Parish Communications
Reports to Vestry
Pastoral Visits
See Questions as Opportunities to Teach
Economic Crisis
1. Stewardship education should be a requirement for all who seek membership, either at the
confirmation level or at the adult membership level. We must give special attention to those
who are transferring membership to our church.
2. There should be a year-round stewardship education program and an education focus in
every commitment (or pledge) program.
3. Sermons can highlight giving as the basic Christian lifestyle. Many baby boomers are not
joiners, but are willing to give if informed during worship about giving as a primary definition of
Christian behavior.
4. We must learn to teach during our worship service. We miss a wonderful opportunity to
teach when inviting the offering. This is the time to answer the question “Why?” Have we seen
that the offering and the sacrament of Holy Communion stand in mutual relationship? In the
offering, we give. In the sacrament of the Eucharist we recall God’s giving.
5. Teach through regular (monthly and quarterly) reports to givers.
6. Teach through all parish communications (newsletters, worship bulletins, website, etc.)
7. Teach with reports to the vestry.
8. Teach during pastoral visits.
9. See questions as opportunities for teaching the principles of Christian giving.
10. When there is an economic crisis, teach the helpful concepts of financial planning.
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Liturgical Season Teaching Opportunities
What follows in this section is adapted from Inspiring Generosity published by The United
Church of Christ. Appendix 7 expands on the following brief summary.
“All occasions invite God’s mercies, and all times are God’s seasons”
John Donne
When “stewardship” is something we do in the fall, motivated to raise support for next year’s
church budget, it’s no wonder “stewardship” so often yields meager results. We seek a harvest
without having planted the seeds.
Advent: Expectation
Stewardship is about managing the abundance that God has made ours— and not just “ours”
but everyone’s.
During the season of Advent, sow messages of anticipation of goodness and mercy.
What is reaped is morale and trust— the “blessed assurance” that overcomes common
fears of scarcity. “Gifted by God” with the expectation of abundance, “we offer ourselves
in praise,” living out this expectation in our own giving.
Christmas: Incarnation
And they shall name him Emmanuel,’ which means, ‘God is with us’” (Matthew 1:23).
Stewardship looks at all of life and says, “This is not just a given. It’s a gift.”
During the season of Christmas, sow messages of a sense of life as the gift of God withus. What is reaped is joy—relief and delight that demands to be shared, like laughter or
tears—gladness that spills over into giving. “Gifted by God” with the very presence of
the Lord, “we offer ourselves in praise,” giving as we have received.
Epiphany: The Season to Celebrate the Manifestation of Christ to the World
The visit of the Magi to Jesus and his later baptism in the river Jordan are held to mark the
appearance (“epiphany”: manifestation) of Christ to the Gentiles, that is, the world. Baptism
and mission are joined at their source in Jesus, in whom God’s self-sharing is seen as the
redemption of all creation.
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During the season of Epiphany, sow messages of understanding Christian stewardship
as the manifestation of God’s own self-giving, which we are sent to share with others.
What is reaped is an understanding of baptism as the motivation of both stewardship
and mission—”baptism” seen as our incorporation in the redemption of the world, the
healing and wholeness to which our giving testifies and in which our giving enables us to
participate.
“Gifted by God,” with God’s own self-giving love, “we offer ourselves in praise,” showing
and sharing the graceful abundance at the heart of life.
Lent: a penitential time of spiritual discipline in preparation for the celebration of Easter
Originally a time to prepare candidates for baptism, Lent became a period of penitence for
those who have been baptized, a time of spiritual discipline in preparation for the celebration
of Easter.
An ancient rabbi wrote, “We are born with our fists clenched and die with our hands
wide open.” The plain facts of life and death confirm God’s will and point to God’s way
for us. In effect, we have to find a way to hold onto life with open hands.
That is the Lenten discipline of stewardship: learning how to hold what we have less
tightly, without clutching, more openly. The lesson is summed up well by Andre Gide,
who wrote: “Complete possession is proved only by giving. All you are unable to give
possesses you.”
How are “possessiveness” and “control” issues in our own lives?
During the season of Lent, sow messages acknowledging an awareness of
the tension between loving and “possessing,” enjoying and controlling,
being and having, generosity and uptightness.
What is reaped is a truer sense of giving as repentance—“repentance” understood not
morbidly, as turning against oneself, fists clenched, but hopefully, as turning toward
God, hands open.
“Gifted by God,” with the freshly discerned abundance of freedom and confidence we
could not grasp with closed hands, “we offer ourselves in praise,” knowing that in giving
we receive what in possessiveness we lose.
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Easter: Resurrection -- Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there.
Writing seventy-five years ago about the future of Europe, the great German poet Rainer Maria
Rilke gave unwitting witness to the truth of both Good Friday and Easter: “Hatred is once more
the decisive and driving force in a world which can only be healed in the long run by a
superabundance of love, mercy, and good will.”
Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there. Christian Stewardship is
what happens when we believe this. It is the generosity that flows from a sense of the
“superabundance” of life to which Jesus’ resurrection testifies.
In the light of Easter, fears of scarcity and loss are overcome: We are “born anew into a living
hope… an inheritance that is imperishable” (1 Peter 1:3).
How do we understand “resurrection”? Is this but a promise for the future, or also
assurance in the present?
During the season of Easter, sow messages of the very present hope made possible by
the victory of Christ over death and evil.
What is reaped is an outflow of joy and generosity undeterred by fears of scarcity or
inadequacy.
“Gifted by God” with this Easter faith, “we offer ourselves in praise,” letting our giving
testify to the unstoppable power of God’s great love.
Pentecost: Power
Pentecost for Christians is a celebration of the “first fruits” of the resurrection: the gift of the
Holy Spirit, which is the power of God made known in Jesus — “the power of the power of life
itself,” as Frederick Buechner puts it.
Known by its fruit, the Holy Spirit is manifest in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity,
faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23).
How strong is the power that “turns on the lights” in your congregation? How vibrant is a sense
of God’s presence?
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During the long season of Pentecost, sow messages of awareness that the goodness and
mercy of God are a very present power at work in the world and in each of our lives—
right now.
What is reaped are the “fruits of the Spirit,” among which is generosity — giving founded
and grounded in firsthand knowledge of the love of God.
“Gifted by God” with a sense of divine presence, “we offer ourselves in praise,” living for
the glory of God as people who know the richness of life at its best.
Teaching Opportunities in the Liturgy







Hymns
Prayers of the People
Offering Invitation
Prayer for the Offering
Worship Bulletin
Contemporary Epistle
Other …
See Appendix 8
See Appendix 9
See Appendix 10
See Appendix 10
See Appendix 10
Personal witness during the liturgy in the form of a “Contemporary Epistle” provides an
opportunity for:
1. Individuals to share from their heart in regard to how their live has been changed as a result
of being a member of the congregation and what they believe and do in
regard to financial stewardship while inviting others to “join them in the
journey.” Appendix 11 provides guidance on preparing to share one’s story.
This is a resource from the Generous Giving web site.
2. An opportunity to share ministry stories of just what in the name of God the parish is doing
and how people’s lives are being changed and souls saved. These are sometimes referred
to as “mission” or “ministry minutes.”
The Vision for Ministry Document
Vision for Ministry “Document”
To place emphasis on the ministry of the congregationChow the members serve God
together.
Help focus on the mission of the church, enhance sense of ownership, and encourage
increased participation.
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Helps to place emphasis on the ministry of the congregationChow the members serve God
together C rather than the money the church will spend. This is not to deceive members, but
to help them focus on the mission of the church, enhance their sense of ownership, and
encourage increased participation.
Preparation of the “interpretation” piece is an annual undertaking. By keeping it up-to-date
minor changes may be made from year to year. It is always good to change the format to keep
it fresh. One year, it may be a printed piece, another year a slide presentation, another year a
video....
Appendix 12 includes several examples of Vision for Ministry documents. While
these are from “larger” congregations they are by no means the only samples
available. Call or Email tens@tens.org to request other samples. Provide
information on your annual operating budget and average Sunday attendance
(ASA) when contacting us and we can send you copies from churches approximately your size.
We also have a “how-to” resource for developing the Vision for Ministry document that is
generally used as a workshop handout, but is available for the asking.
THE ANNUAL COMMITMENT (RESPONSE) PROGRAM
Financial Response (Commitment)
Annual Response
Financial:
The opportunity to intentionally and consciously respond to the love and grace of God.
Time & Abilities:
The opportunity to expand stewardship horizons to include all of life.
Touch:
The opportunity for hands-on ministry experiences both locally and globally.
A financial commitment program gives every member of the congregation the opportunity to
intentionally and consciously respond to the love and grace of God through their giving to and
through the ministries of their congregation.
Time & Abilities Response
A time and talent (abilities) commitment program gives members an opportunity to expand
their stewardship horizons to include all of life.
While the financial commitment is important, a creative Time and Abilities Response Program,
along with a plan for using the data gathered is crucial to a holistic understanding of
stewardship.
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Touch Response
Involvement in hands-on mission and ministry by the members of the congregation will provide
one of the greatest teaching opportunities by the participants having first-hand experience in
the realities facing much of the rest of the world. Strive to identify a focus for at least one local
and one global outreach opportunity annually.
Key Components of the Annual Response (Commitment) Program:
•
Proclaim a clarity of Mission & Vision developed collaboratively with input from all who
wish to participate (invite everyone)
•
Ministry Interpretation & increased financial response will enable increased outreach
•
Regular reporting
•
Annual opportunity for members to discuss decisions about giving
•
Proper training for those who make visits and/or participate in any program leadership
role.
•
Timely “Thank You”
•
A carefully crafted plan for “follow-thru”/ ”follow-up”
Techniques for the Annual Response (Commitment) Program:
1.
Decisions as to when the response program is to be conducted, are made early in the
year to permit adequate planning.
2.
The method to be used for the Response is chosen early so that the person who will be
responsible for this component of the year-round stewardship emphasis can begin
developing plans and identifying needs for workers.
3.
Workers are recruited and trained. Regardless of the method chosen, the training of
workers is important. If an Every Member Visit is to be used it is absolutely essential.
4.
The response method and how it will be carried out is publicized. Members should have
no questions about what is expected of them in the Response Program.
5.
In the Response Program members are challenged to make decisions. Note that they
are not told what to do (or what to give). Members are called upon to make their own
decision about what they will do and what they intend to give in response to God's love.
It is important not to be apologetic about this; challenging is not the same as coercing or
threatening.
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6.
The planning phase includes the preparation of plans for follow-up contacts with those
members who, for whatever reason, are not contacted through the primary method of the
Response Program. No one method will work for everyone. It is important that all active
members be contacted in some manner. Do not rule anyone out as not wanting to participate
in the Response Program, or not being able to. In selecting follow-up methods use good sense;
threatening to visit everyone who does not participate in the primary Response Program
method is a particularly poor practice.
7.
Additional Thoughts on Response Program Methods:
a. Response Program methods tend to wear out. The more “gimmicky” the method the
faster it does so. Repeating last year's very successful method should certainly be
considered, but it is not a guarantee of success. Two or three years on any response
method is usually a maximum. Most congregations have diminishing returns after that.
Evaluate all available methods and choose carefully.
b. It is sometimes possible to “tailor” a method to make it unique to the congregation, and
it may be a good idea to do so. But be careful not to do surgery on the program to the
extent that you remove a vital organ. Short-cuts nearly always short-circuit the results.
In a published response program, be sure that all program components are included.
c. The success of a Response Program is not solely dependent upon the response method
chosen. The response method is just one part of an integrated effort which involves
careful planning, a meaningful and challenging Vision for Ministry, and well-executed
programs of stewardship education and ministry interpretation. In short, a solid
emphasis of year-round stewardship will enhance your success in the annual Response
Program.
Popular Response (Commitment) Programs
Appendix 13 includes a summary of Five Popular Programs that have been
documented and published by TENS together with several other “packaged”
programs that have become popular with Episcopal Congregations.
Essential Stewardship Resources
Appendix 14 includes a bibliography of Essential Stewardship Resources together
with several other documents that you should find useful in your ministry.
Please don’t hesitate to write, Email, and/or telephone with your questions and/or
suggestions on how this workshop resource can become more useful.
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Six Best Practices - Stewardship Strategy Assessment
Adapted from a resource created by Barbara Fullerton, Stewardship Development, United Church of Canada.
To contact Barbara: Email bfullert@united-church.ca Or tele 416-231-7680 (x4161)
To contact TENS: Email tens@tens.org Or tele 800-699-2669
Identify (mark) what your church is already doing in the following list.
Briefly share with your group 1-2 things in the list that you are doing best and how.
I. Operational Management- Sound Fundraising Methodology
_ 1. Mission clarity: review and renew the congregation's mission every 3 years.
_ 2. Narrative budget: develop a narrative “ case statement” (vision for mission) that tells the
church's story and connects dollar amounts with the congregation's ministries.
___ 3. Annual giving program: ask members and adherents to make estimates of their annual giving
and to base it on a proportion of income.
_4. Multiple opportunities for financial giving: ensure people can give in many ways through the
year (e.g., regular offering, systematic electronic payment, special offerings, credit/debit
card, fundraising events, planned giving}.
_ 5. Donor appreciation: phone, visit, or send givers personalized thank-you letters with quarterly
and annual reports and tax receipts. Statements include ministry stories of how gifts are
being used to make a difference.
II. Stewardship Integration in Worship- "Stewardship Every Sunday"
_ 1. Plan worship with stewardship worship resources.
a. Minutes for Mission
b. Stewardship bulletin inserts
c. Online stewardship worship resources (www.united-church.ca/planning/theme#stewardship)
e. Stewardship Seconds in bulletins
_ 2. Preach stewardship almost every week.
Use lectionary-based stewardship Sermon Starters. [Above URL includes Sermon Starters that
coordinate thematically with Offering Invitations (see below) and with the bulletin
Stewardship Seconds (above).
_ 3. Nurture young stewards through children's messages or theme time.
_ 4. Celebrate the offering as an act of worship.
a. Use an Offering Invitation that connects people's lives with God's mission.
b. Dedicate offerings (including those given through electronic funds transfer) with an
Offering Prayer. [One source for Offering Invitations and prayers linked to lectionary texts
for each week is online at < www.united-church.ca/planning/theme/invitededicate >.
(Please turn to next page)
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Ill. Stewardship Formation -Create a Culture of Gratitude and Generosity
The primary purpose of stewardship formation is to nurture individual and congregational identity as
stewards and disciples, rather than as consumers. A secondary (and welcome!) outcome of good
stewardship formation is greater generosity.
_ 1. Stewardship formation opportunities for young people in
a. youth confirmation training
b. youth group activities
c. Sunday school
d. Children's Time in worship
_ 2. Adult stewardship discussions in
a. Seekers or new members classes
b. Bible study or other small groups for discussion/study
c. legacy giving education: how to arrange major and end-of-life gifts
d. personal-finance training and budget counseling for individuals and families
IV. Stewardship Leadership - Leadership Development and Support
_ 1. Clergy and lay members active in wider church roles (Convocation, Diocese, Province, General
Convention, ecumenical work, etc.)
_ 2. Opportunities provided/encouraged for leaders to attend stewardship training events
V. Spiritual-Nurture Opportunities
Understanding one's identity as a steward goes hand in hand with spiritual growth. People growing in
discipleship are generous with their lives, including their money.
_ 1. Bible study
_ 2. Small group ministries
VI. Engagement in Social Justice Concerns
_ 1. Parish (or area-wide); Diocesan; and/or Episcopal Relief & Development based promotion and
support
_ 2. Social justice learning and advocacy opportunities
_ 3. Active involvement by the congregation in community social outreach
(More than giving money- people volunteer time, skills)
Note potential growth areas; choose 1-2 practices that you did not mark. Brainstorm together
how you might go about implementing them.
To develop an integrated year-round congregational stewardship strategy, add an additional
item every six months.
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To be a Christian Steward is to strive to be a faithful disciple of Jesus, a zealous proclaimer of his message and a responsible caretaker of all the gifts and blessings given daily by the loving God, our creator and sustainer. Jesus Christ calls us to love, follow, know and proclaim him in the world without regard for the difficulties and resistance we experience. The faithful Christian Steward responds generously to the call out of gratitude and joy. www.tens.org To be a Christian Steward is to strive to be a faithful disciple of Jesus, a zealous proclaimer of his message and a responsible caretaker of all the gifts and blessings given daily by the loving God, our creator and sustainer. Jesus Christ calls us to love, follow, know and proclaim him in the world without regard for the difficulties and resistance we experience. The faithful Christian Steward responds generously to the call out of gratitude and joy. www.tens.org APPENDIX “2”
Some of the Many Scripture References for Stewardship Formation Exodus 23:14‐19 Matthew 13:31‐45 Leviticus 27:26‐34 Mark 8:34‐38 Deuteronomy 14:22‐29 Luke 6:36‐38 Deuteronomy 26:1‐15 Luke 12:16‐34 (29‐34) Proverbs 3:9‐10 Luke 19:1‐10 Proverbs 11:24‐28 John 5:1‐10 Malachi 3:7‐12 II Corinthians 8:1‐15 Jeremiah 31:31 FF, 32:37 FF II Corinthians 9:1‐15 (5‐12) Ezekiel 36:34 FF I Timothy 6:11‐19 Matthew 6:19‐24 II Timothy 1:6‐10 Deuteronomy 14:22‐29 For an exhaustive list of bible references on stewardship topics refer to the web site for Generous Giving at http://www.generousgiving.com/resources Search in the “Tools” and the “Research Library” sections. The ultimate resource for reflection on Christian Stewardship is the NIV Stewardship Study Bible created to be a companion in the journey toward becoming a mature and effective steward. Through the use of reflective meditations tied to Scripture, and organized around stewardship messages, this Bible will encourage your growth and also provide rich Biblical and theological resources to draw you more deeply in to the stewardship teaching of God’s Word. Bible Study: Personal Response Approach
(from p. 160, Pocket Bible Guide by Linda L. Grenz, Doubleday)
Identify/select a passage for reflection.
The daily lectionary is a useful source for identifying a different passage each day.
Sample Passages for Reflection: Luke 14: 26 - 34
Luke 9: 57 - 62
Luke 10: 1 - 24
Purpose of the reflection: to relate the passage to my life and hear God’s
word for me today
Process:
Beginning to the right of the person who reads, each person answers the
questions in turn with no discussion or comment on what others say
First reader reads the passage aloud.
Identify (write) the word or phrase that stands out for you.
Say the word or phrase that stands out for you.
Read the passage a second time (different reader).
Identify (write): What did this passage mean to the hearers then, and what
does it mean to me and my community now?
Share (say) what you have identified (written).
Read the passage for a third time (different reader).
Identify (write): What do I feel God wants me and my community to do in
response? This coming week?
Share (say) what you have identified (written).
Take turns praying aloud for the person on your right, including what they have
said.
Note: The distinctive nature of this approach to Bible study is that people respond
without reacting to each other’s comments (i.e. not discussing the passage).
APPENDIX "3": Six Best Practices in Year-Round Stewardship
Year-Round Congregational
Stewardship
Six Best Practices
Operational Management
(includes financial)
Stewardship Integration in Worship
Stewardship Formation
(education and discussion opportunities)
Stewardship Leadership
(clergy and lay)
Spiritual-Nurture Opportunities
Engagement in Social Justice Concerns
Per capita giving in churches that engage these practices is higher
than average per capita giving in The United Church of Canada.
Generosity is growing in The United Church of Canada and per
capita giving is increasing annually. Congregations engaging in the stewardship best practices identified in
this pamphlet experience the greatest growth in per capita and total giving.
Identify what your church is already doing and note potential growth areas. To develop an integrated yearround congregational stewardship strategy, choose one practice from those listed in this pamphlet and add an
additional item every six months.
© 2009 The United Church of Canada/L’Église Unie du Canada. Licensed under Creative Commons Attribution Non-commercial No Derivatives (by-nc-nd) Licence.
To view a copy of this licence, visit http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/2.5/ca. Any copy must include this notice.
1. Operational Management
Sound Fundraising Methodology
1. Mission clarity: review and adjust the congregation’s mission at least
every three years.
2. Narrative budget: develop a narrative case statement that tells the congregation’s story and connects dollar
amounts with the congregation’s ministries.
3. Annual giving program: ask members and adherents to make estimates
of their annual giving.
4. Multiple opportunities for financial generosity: ensure people can give in many ways throughout the year
(e.g., regular offering, Pre-Authorized Remittance [PAR], special offerings, fundraising events, planned
giving).
5. Donor appreciation: send givers thank-you letters with quarterly and annual reports.
Congregations that use these five stewardship operational best practices generally experience giving that is
higher than average per capita giving in all United Churches, if they are done in the context of year-round
stewardship development. Some of these United Churches have per capita giving that is double the national
average. Their per capita giving is growing at a faster rate than national United Church giving.
Some congregations carried out all five operational best practices with no worship and formation
components. They experienced decreased giving.
It’s essential to carry out sound fundraising methodology in the context of
the other five stewardship best practices identified in this pamphlet.
2. Stewardship Integration in Worship
“Stewardship Every Sunday”
Congregations that lift up stewardship every Sunday experience higher per capita giving than other United
Churches. This includes the following practices:
1. Plan worship with stewardship worship resources.
•
•
•
•
Minutes for Mission
M&S bulletin covers with stewardship prayers
stewardship bulletin inserts (no cost)
online stewardship worship resources at
www.united-church.ca/planning/theme#stewardship
• Stewardship Seconds in bulletins
2. Preach stewardship almost every week.
• Nearly any biblical text has stewardship implications. The subject of money and possessions was
Jesus’ second most frequent topic for preaching and teaching.
• Use the online lectionary-based stewardship Sermon Starters at
www.united-church.ca/planning/theme/sermonstarters. Sermon Starters coordinate thematically with
Offering Invitations (see below) and with the bulletin Stewardship Seconds.
3. Nurture young stewards through children’s messages.
4. Celebrate the offering as an act of worship.
• Adding an Offering Invitation is the simplest change for the
greatest effect in a comprehensive stewardship strategy.
• Each week, explicitly invite people to give, as one way to connect their lives with God’s work in the
world.
• Offering Invitations and prayers linked to lectionary texts for each week are found at www.unitedchurch.ca/planning/theme/invitededicate.
Congregations with high per capita giving were 42% more likely than other United Churches to use four or
more of these resources. The percentage increase in per capita gifts over six years in high per capita
churches that use five stewardship worship resources was more than three times greater than the increase in
per capita giving in all United Churches.
3. Stewardship Formation
Create a Culture of Gratitude and Generosity
The primary purpose of stewardship formation is to nurture individual and communal identity as stewards and
disciples, rather than as consumers. A secondary (and welcome!) outcome of good stewardship formation is
greater generosity.
Congregations with higher per capita giving are more likely than other United Churches to offer
1. stewardship formation opportunities for young people in
• youth confirmation
• Sunday school
• Children’s Time in worship
2. adult stewardship discussions in
• membership classes
• Bible study or other small groups
• gift planning education: how to arrange major gifts and
end-of-life gifts
• personal-finance training and budget counselling for
individuals and families
Congregations that offer personal-finance training experienced 25% higher per capita giving than most United
Churches. Growing congregations and those with high per capita giving are twice as likely
as most United Churches to offer this kind of program.
Congregations with both gift planning and personal-finance training experienced per capita giving 46% higher
than most United Churches. Churches with high per capita giving were twice as likely as other United
Churches to offer gift planning and personal-finance training. Their per capita giving was more than double that
of the rest of the United Church.
Regional financial development staff can assist congregations with gift planning programs. Their contact
information is at www.united-church.ca/getinvolved/donate/howto/planned/planners.
4. Stewardship Leadership
Leadership Development and Support
Churches with clergy and lay members involved in wider church roles (presbytery, Conference, General
Council, etc.) experienced per capita giving around 50% higher than most United Churches. A recent study
also indicated churches that sent leaders to stewardship training events experienced increased per capita
giving of 29–36% higher than most United Churches.
5. Spiritual-Nurture Opportunities
Understanding one’s identity as a steward goes hand in hand with spiritual growth. People growing in
discipleship tend to be generous with their lives, including their money. Congregations with high per capita
giving and those offering stewardship discussion opportunities for adults were more likely to offer
opportunities for spiritual nurture, such as Bible study and small group ministries.
6. Engagement in Social Justice Concerns
Involvement in community social outreach correlates positively with financial generosity. A recent study
indicated churches with high per capita giving were three times more likely than most United Churches to
offer five or more such opportunities. Per capita giving in all United Churches with five or more social justice
commitments (in addition to financial) was 18% higher than in most United Churches. In churches with more
than seven such opportunities, it was 23% higher.
Greatest Impact
Operational management practices had the greatest impact
when done with worship and formation components.
Most Long-Term Potential
•
•
•
•
•
preach stewardship
conduct personal-finance training
nurture new stewards (young people and new members)
offer multiple ways to give
say “thank you”
Resources to Support Stewardship
Best Practices
“Stewardship Development: Connecting to All Aspects of Church Life”
Information, resources, and research on stewardship to help your congregation make connections with
worship, outreach,
congregational life, and more.
Available at: www.united-church.ca/files/sales/ucrd/catalogue_stewardship.pdf
“The Year-Round Congregational Stewardship Plan”
A detailed month-by-month plan to help your congregation integrate stewardship into preaching, worship
planning, and education/mission throughout the year.
Available at: www.united-church.ca/files/exploring/stewardship/stewardshipplan.rtf
Stewardship Development Office
Serving congregations and community ministries
steward@united-church.ca
416-231-7680 ext. 4161 or 4029
Giving trends and statistics reported in this resource are from Growing Generosity: Identity as Stewards in The United
Church of Canada, by Barbara Fullerton (Washington, D.C.: Wesley Theological Seminary, 2009). Used with permission.
January 5, 2011
Monitoring Key Indicators of Congregational Health
By Joseph E. Arnold
APPENDIX "4"
Imagine driving a car at night and the dashboard lights go out. With the headlights on, you can still see
the road immediately ahead of you. But you cannot see the speedometer or any of the other gauges. If it
is a short trip, it may not be a problem. But what if you are on a long overnight drive? It is important to
know how much gas is left in the tank to plan appropriately.
Unfortunately, too many church leaders are “leading in the dark.” Congregational leaders need to
develop a “dashboard” to monitor the basic metrics of their church. And monitoring must be done
“along the way,” not just at the end of the year. If you only looked at your car dashboard at the end of
each trip, you would miss the most important signals the indicators are sending.
There are several guidelines when developing a congregational dashboard:
i Keep it simple, up-to-date, and understandable. Whether it is a form to be filled out weekly
or a computer spreadsheet, it needs to be something that people can keep up with and
understand.
i Share the dashboard with other key leaders. Even if some of the trends are negative, the
sooner church leaders know the problems, the better chance they have of reversing them.
i Remember to compare trends over time. We often look at things one month or one year at a
time. Take the time to look at the larger, multi-year trends.
Monitoring People and Their Engagement
What needs to be on your dashboard? One set of key indicators involves people and their engagement
with various ministries. A few common metrics around engagement, such as worship attendance and
membership, are often at the top of the list of variables that churches monitor.
Worship attendance should be prominent on any church’s dashboard. Congregations with more than
one service should record the attendance for each service separately, as well as the overall total, so that
changes in each service can be noted. A key metric of worship attendance is maintaining a 52-week
running average of attendance that can be compared to the same average a year ago.
Tracking visitors is another important task related to worship attendance. Be sure you are greeting,
engaging, and monitoring new and returning visitors. If there is more than one service, be sure to record
visitors for each service. A key metric for gauging the success of your visitor follow up is tracking the
percent of first-time guests who return for a second time and how that percentage compares to last year.
Membership is another important element of your dashboard — not just whether the church is growing,
declining, or staying the same, but how it is gaining and losing members. Are membership gains coming
Leading Ideas
2
January 5, 2011
from professions of faith, transfers from your denomination, or transfers from other denominations? If
there are multiple services, how do they compare in terms of generating membership gains? Are
membership losses coming from people moving out of the area, changing churches, dying, or drifting
away? Once your congregation knows these trends, you can develop appropriate strategies to deal with
them. A key metric is how many new members have been received so far this year compared to the same
time last year.
Professions of faith and deaths. Comparing the number of professions of faith to deaths is a way of
monitoring those entering the faith and those leaving the church through death. A key metric is the ratio
of professions of faith to deaths.
Monitoring Giving
Just as some people have a hard time talking about money, so do many congregations. But keeping
abreast of the key indicators of financial health is vital to sustaining ministry. In congregations
experiencing decline, money is often what forces the hard choices. Leaders need to know the key facts
with regard to money to help their congregations make decisions and changes proactively and creatively,
rather than waiting until they are in the throes of a crisis.
Avoid the common practice of dividing the budget by 52 weeks as the standard to know whether the
church is “ahead” or “behind” on the budget. Rather than coming in 52 equal units, each congregation’s
giving will follow its own pattern. Therefore, the most effective way to monitor offerings is to calculate
the three-year running average of money received through each Sunday of the year and then use those
figures to determine how much you “need so far” to be up to date on the budget. A key metric is where
your year-to-date income stands in comparison to the portion of income that normally comes in by that
same time of year.
Keep in mind that not all income comes from contributions, so track each income source based on what
portion of that income normally comes in by the current time in the year.
Customizing Your Dashboard
Each congregation is unique. So customize your dashboard to reflect other things that are important to
your church, be it Sunday School attendance, children and youth programs, mission work, Bible studies,
or the number of choir participants. All these are examples of things you might have on your dashboard.
As you begin to use a dashboard, you will find ways to make it most useful for your congregation.
Joseph E. Arnold (jearnold@wesleyseminary.edu) is Research Manager for the Lewis Center for Church
Leadership.
2
EXHIBIT 5 Developing a Vestry (or other Leadership) Stewardship Statement Outcome: A signed Stewardship Statement A 4 ‐ to 6 ‐ Hour Workshop Participants  An outside facilitator (strongly recommended when first beginning, and then every three years to again begin with a “blank sheet of paper”)  The Leadership Team: Rector, Wardens and Vestry (and, optionally, Stewardship Chairperson) Begin with centering/gathering prayer Do a “getting on board” exercise  Ask the group to divide into pairs (get with someone they did not come to the meeting with) and ask participants to introduce themselves to each other identifying (choose one or two): the ministries that they are involved in; a dream they have for the parish; or something unusual about themselves that others probably don’t know.  Instruct the group that after a designated time (10 minutes) of introducing themselves to each other, they are then to take turns introducing the person they interviewed to the entire group. Review objectives for the workshop The creation of a corporate statement that will be signed (witnessed) by the vestry, wardens, and clergy (Bishop and Council) and which: offers a witness to all the members of the congregation on the current collective state of belief and commitment of the leadership on the subject of Christian Stewardship; and invites the members of the parish to join in the leadership in the ongoing journey of growth in stewardship discipleship. The essential elements of the statement complete these phrases: We believe . . . We commit . . . We invite (or encourage) . . . Solicit a volunteer (ideally, recruit someone in advance) to write a story describing the process and events of the workshop to share in the parish newsletter. The process will engage scripture (reflecting on God’s story), tradition (what we believe,) and reason (what commitment are we willing to proclaim and invite others to participate in?) Begin with scripture With an inexperienced group (folks not previously trained as stewardship leaders) it is best to begin with some form of inductive Bible study. Of the many resources available for inductive Bible study, two favorites are written by the Rev. Linda L. Grenz. One is titled In Dialogue With Scripture and the other is Doubleday Pocket Bible Guide from Doubleday Publishing. Inductive Bible study is best done using more than one translation of the Bible and even The Message by Eugene Peterson. What follows are several suggested outlines that have been helpful when working with groups on Stewardship Formation issues. Choose to have each of your small groups work on the same passage, or different passages. Each small group reports to the entire group at the conclusion of the exercise. Process the questions one at a time in small groups of 3‐7 persons. Posting the responses to the questions on newsprint is helpful. The purpose of the exercise is to elicit responses from the hearts of the participants, not to debate the contexts in which the passage was written. Honor everyone’s position. Read Colossians 3:12‐17 and lead the group in reflecting on and responding to the following questions (one question at a time):  What characteristics of Christian living does Paul mention? Do you suppose he had a reason for listing them in this particular order?  What role does thankfulness play?  How does this passage speak to you personally?  How does this passage speak to your role as a steward for the Lord? Read Deuteronomy 14:22‐29 and lead the group in reflecting on and responding to the following questions (one question at a time):  What does God want us to do with the tithe?  Why does God want us to have a party?  What prevents us from tithing and having a big party? (What are the barriers?)  What would our parish (or congregation or diocese) look like (or feel like) if everyone tithed and we spent it all on a big party? Read Luke 12:16‐34 and lead the group in reflecting on and responding to the following questions (one question at a time):  What does God ask me to do as revealed in this passage?  What does God promise me as revealed in this passage?  What barriers prevent me from responding to God?  Imagine!! What would my life be like without these barriers? Read 2 Corinthians 9:5‐12 and lead the group in reflecting on and responding to the following questions (one question at a time):  What does Paul tell us to sow or give?  Why does Paul suggest that we reap what we sow?  How would you feel if you could give whatever you wanted to give without restriction or limitation?  What restricts or limits our giving? What keeps us from being “cheerful givers?” Conclude the scripture study with the witness of the facilitator concerning how Christ has reconciled the gap between what God asks us to do and what we actually do. A useful reminder is the words of the Rev. Loren Mead, founder of the Alban Institute: “There are two things about God that we can be absolutely certain of. One is that God loves us exactly where we are. The second is that God doesn’t want us to stay there!” (This may not be an exact quote.) Post three sheets of newsprint, each with one of the following statements: We believe . . . We commit . . . We invite . . . Distribute 8 to 10 sheets of “post‐em” type note sheets (3"x5") to each participant. Ask that they individually identify key words and phrases that they desire to see included in completing each of the above phrases. Instruct the participants to write their responses (one topic per sticky‐note) and then post them on the newsprint. Invite the participants to read what others have written and to feel free to write and post additional comments of their own after reviewing what others have written. Divide the participants up into two work groups. By this time in the process the facilitator will have a sense of who ought to be grouped with whom. The division may be carefully thought out or purely arbitrary. Assign the first group the task of completing the phrase “We believe ...” using the posted input from the participants. The second group is assigned the task of completing the phrase “We commit ...” Depending on the size of the groups, the task of completing the first draft of these statements should be finished in 40 to 50 minutes. Ask the groups to then present their draft work product to each other. Review progress and give new assignments By this stage of the process, several individuals who seem to be the most gifted at working to reach consensus within a group and in writing a comprehensive statement should be easy to identify. These 3 to 5 individuals are then asked to take the drafts of both statements and prepare a comprehensive unified document which completes the phrases “We believe ...” and “We commit ...” The remaining participants are asked to work together to craft a preamble statement (i.e., “We the vestry and clergy of ____ , ...) and an invitation statement (“We invite ...”). Usually after 30 to 40 minutes both groups will be ready to see what each has developed. Gather everyone together for a review and comments by the participants. Finalize wording, invite signatures and share the story Often the process will have worked and group consensus will by now be reached on a comprehensive statement. At other times there may be a need to conclude this gathering with only a draft document and an agreement to revisit and finalize the wording at a future date. When group consensus has been reached invite the participants to witness their agreement by signing the final document. Use the document and the story of the experience to share with the entire congregation the new insights and spiritual growth provided by the process. A CAUTION The words and phrases used in the final document should accurately reflect the witness of the participants. Don’t try to force something on the group that they are not ready for. The process is more important than the product! Conclude with worship If Eucharist is the form of worship concluding the workshop, the completed Stewardship Statement can be included in the offering. Where to get help Contact for assistance in locating a facilitator and/or general conversation about the process: TENS (The Episcopal Network for Stewardship) Email: tens@tens.org 1‐800‐699‐2669 (ext 2) Visit us on the web: www.tens.org Sample Stewardship Statements The Episcopal Church of the Redeemer, Kansas City, MO by the Rev. Edgar J. Whelan, Rector Below is the Church of the Redeemer=s Vestry Stewardship Statement. It has been re‐approved and given to the parish for the last 8 years. So I have to say to General Convention and the Standing Commission on Stewardship and Development, thanks for joining Redeemer! The facts of the story are simple, the work involved was not. For several years before the statement was first adopted in 1992, the Vestry was asked, but could not agree to a statement on tithing. The problem was that we had no vision. Once that work was done, Vestry members could themselves tithe or begin to. The power to tithe was and still is in the vision. Members are not asked to tithe to a budget, not even to Redeemer Church, but to the furtherance of God=s vision for the place. VESTRY STEWARDSHIP STATEMENT We believe Redeemer exists to know Christ and to make Him known. We make this Vision real by living the Great Commandment and carrying out the Great Commission. We, the undersigned members, affirm that the main work of the Church is involving people in using all that is entrusted to them in carrying out our Vision. Good Christian Stewardship is the practice of providing proportionate giving of time, abilities and material possessions. We endorse the tithe (10%) as the standard of Christian giving of our time and money. We acknowledge that all that we are and all that we have are gifts given by God. Therefore, our pledge of Stewardship is to give faithfully of ourselves and of all that we possess. Each of us either is already tithing or is adopting a personal program that will bring us to the giving of a tithe. As your elected Vestry, we urge your prayerful consideration of joining us in this kind of Commitment to our Lord Jesus Christ. Approved by Vestry, August 10, 1992 Re‐approved, April 12, 1993; Summer 1994; August 14, 1995; September 9, 1996; September 8, 1997; October 12, 1998; October 11, 1999 We, a group of the Church of the Apostles, Tucson, AZ met [February 11‐12, 2000] in order to further our understanding of stewardship and to draft the following statement. We Believe... that in recognition of God=s being the giver of all things, we are called to receive and share these gifts for God=s purposes, nurturing them in ourselves and others. We Commit... to giving back to God by learning about stewardship from scripture and each other; serving and caring for all of God=s creation in gratitude, with thanksgiving. We Invite... you to join us on this journey of belief and commitment. February 12, 2000 Signed JoAnn Boynton James W. Conrad Laurie Delmastro Mike Fehniger Sue Fehniger Barbara Garrity Mike Gran Robert Harvey Teri H. Martindale Andy Nyhuis Kathleen Nyhuis Thomas Pitello Margaret Trachta Mary Glenn Winscott If you agree with this statement and accept this invitation, please sign the posted statement any Sunday morning. Thank you! Our Vision of Stewardship Standing Commission on Stewardship and Development We, members of the Standing Commission on Stewardship and Development of The Episcopal Church, meeting in November 1998, affirm the following vision of Stewardship: We believe... we are children of God and we need to give. In every aspect of our lives, we are entrusted to be stewards of God=s creation. God invites us to give freely and to exercise joyfully our gifts through mission and ministry. We commit ourselves... to boldly claim God=s abundant provision in our lives; to offer extravagantly our time, talent and money to do Christ=s work; and to practice tithing as a minimum standard of giving. We challenge members of the Episcopal Church... to confront our fears of scarcity; to embrace a new vision of stewardship through a joyful response to God=s extravagant gifts; and to empower the mission of Christ through generous giving. We invite leadership groups in diocese and congregations to develop their own stewardship statements in order to promote a response to the gospel. Signed: Bessie Titus David Jones (The Rt. Rev.) Howard Anderson (The Rev.) Joon Matsumura Walter Virden, III Richard J. Aguilar (The Rev.) Donald E. Burke Eugene T. Chrostowski Jane R. Cosby Thomas R. Gossen Henry N. Parsley (The Rt. Rev.) Stewardship Statement The Chartered Committee on Stewardship The Episcopal Diocese of North Carolina November 20, 1999 We believeY All we are and all we have are gifts from God. God calls us to be joyful stewards of His creation. We commitY To witness to God's presence in our lives and to the abundance of His gifts; To seek and follow God's will as revealed in Holy Scripture; To love our neighbors as ourselves; To move away from our fears of scarcity into the promise of abundance; To return to God a measure of all that He has given, recognizing the tithe as the minimum standard of giving; To use our time and talents to serve God in the world; and To preserve all of God's creation for future generations. We inviteY Others in God's community of faith to join us on this journey by writing their own statements and by practicing stewardship in their lives. Rev. and Mrs. Roy Dedrick Claudia Stowers Lee Huber Anne Butler Dan Lynch Bill Wrenn Rev. Vicki Wesen Ron Sigrist Bunnie Collura Lape Smith Christ Church Episcopal, Hudson, NY by Claire S. Behr On March 27, 1999, a Saturday morning workshop of lively dialogue and empowering teachings was the event that preceded Palm Sunday and Holy Week for some fifteen Christ Church members and the Rector. Terry Parsons, Stewardship Officer for the Episcopal Church, travels all over this country and elsewhere to Episcopal parishes to assist them in developing and understanding stewardship programs and principals. She has defined stewardship as, A... using the gifts God has given us to do the work God has given us to do.@ A highly skilled facilitator, Terry enlightened the group in the three hours jam‐packed with wisdom, practical advice, memorable statements, and just the right amount of humor. Key in her ASteps to Amazing Stewardship@ are prayer, Bible study, and commitment of the parish leadership to a vision for the stewardship life of the parish, since, in Terry=s words, AYou can=t sell soap if you don=t take a bath!@ The men and women present were led through each of the steps in depth using the African Bible study as a model. In this inductive style of Bible study, the chosen scripture verses are read aloud three times. Between readings, individuals discern, and then share meanings from the passage for their own lives in the following week. The time of sharing prayers for one another was a culminating point for many of the group members, myself included, when the overwhelming sense of the presence of Christ in our midst became apparent. All the illusions fell away as we confronted one another as humble men and women, needing and wanting the care of one another and of our Saviour. In the last segment of the morning=s activities, the participants contributed ideas in writing to begin to formulate the three sections which should comprise a stewardship statement. By morning=s end, with Terry=s excellent guidance, a working statement was ready for fine tuning for the final product of the three hours of good and prayerful work your brothers and sisters in Christ have done. In May, 1999 edition of our parish newsletter, we invited all members of the congregation to prayerfully study the following statement. And, if they decided that they were in agreement, to add their name to the list on a tablet at the back of the church. OUR COVENANT WITH GOD We believe ‐ we are the Body of Christ ‐ God is our Father in Heaven ‐ all that we are and all that we have is a gift from God. And, remembering the account which we must one day give, We commit ‐ ourselves to becoming more loving, caring, understanding, giving, accepting of diversity; and, to sharing our bounty with others by giving of our time, talent, and treasure. And, We invite ‐ our brothers and sisters in Christ to join with us in making these commitments. EXHIBIT 6
December
Advent/Christmas
Theme: Preparing the Way
Components
Action Focus
Resources
Spirituality
Publicity
Ministries
Publicity
Ministries
Publicity
Preparation and Worship
Finance
Children's Ministry - Stewardship of the Christ
Child
Advent Gift Market/Designated Giving &
Year-End Gifts
Environment
Paper Recycling Focus
Outreach
Angel Tree for Underprivileged Children
Gratitude
Vestry
January
Epiphany
Theme: Light
Components
Action Focus
Resources
Spirituality
Spiritual Disciplines
Ministry
Annual Meeting/Celebration of Ministry
Finance
Debt Management
Environment
Hazardous Materials Inventory
Outreach
The Crisis Center
Gratitude
Music Ministries
February
Lent
Theme: Sacramental Life
Components
Action Focus
Resources
Spirituality
Prayer and Fasting
Ministry
Pastoral Care - Stewardship of the Ill or Infirmed
Finance
Physcial Plant Use Plan
Ministry
Ministries
Environment
Church Energy Use Assessment
Outreach
Mardi Gras Soup Kitchen &
Pantry Stock
Gratitude
Pastoral Care Ministries
Food
March
Lent/Easter
Theme: Discipline
Components
Action Focus
Resources
Spirituality
Penitence/Realizing the Gift
Ministry
Outreach - Stewardship of the Needs of the
World
Finance
Conduct Annual Audit
Environment
Butterfly Garden
Outreach
Habitat for Humanity or Equivalent
Gratitude
Fellowship/Hospitality Ministries
April
Easter
Theme: New Life
Components
Action Focus
Resources
Spirituality
Resurrection Life
Ministry
Will Seminar
Finance
Personal Financial Management
Environment
Earth Sunday
Outreach
Heifer Project or Equivalent
Gratitude
Spiritual Formation
May
Pentecost
Theme: Inspiration
Components
Action Focus
Resources
Spirituality
Praying the Labyrinth
Ministry
Mothers' Day Celebration and Sr. Day
Finance
Legacy and Planned Giving
Environment
Community/Home Gardening
Outreach
Food Pantry
Gratitude
Christian Educators
Ministries
Publicity
Ministries
Publicity
Ministries
Publicity
Living Wi$ely / Faith and Money / 3 Simple
Rules
June
Pentecost/TrinitySunday/Ordinary Time
Theme: Trinitarian Relationships
Components
Action Focus
Resources
Spirituality
Prayer and Sabbath Time
Ministry
Annual Church Picnic/ Fathers' Day
Finance
Capital Campaign Review
Environment
Farmers Market - Buy Local Program
Outreach
Youth Missions
Gratitude
Altar Guild
July
Ordinary Time / Vacations
Theme: Liberation
Components
Action Focus
Spirituality
Freedom In Christ
Ministry
Movie Night - Popcorn Theology
Finance
2nd QTR Giving Statements with Vestry ThankYou Notes
Environment
Water Conservation
Outreach
Fans and ACs for the Elderly & Poor
Gratitude
Acolytes
August
Ordinary Time /
Components
Action Focus
Spirituality
Spiritual Gifts Assessment Seminar
Ministry
Rally Day Ministry Fair
Finance
Plan Annual Giving Campaign
Environment
Reduce-Reuse-Recycle Program
Outreach
Back to School Supplies
Gratitude
Lay Eucharistic Ministers
Ministries
Publicity
Resources
Ministries
Publicity
Resources
Ministries
Publicity
September Ordinary Time / St. Michael's & All Angels
Components
Action Focus
Spirituality
Benedicitine Balance
Ministry
Share Save Spend
Finance
Assemble Annual Giving Campaign
Environment
Start a Walking Program
Outreach
ERD/World Vision or Equivalent
Gratitude
Outreach Ministry
October
Resources
Ministries
Publicity
Ministries
Publicity
Ministries
Publicity
Theme: Care of all Creation
Components
Action Focus
Spirituality
Fall Ouiet Day/Retreat
Ministry
(Halloween) Candy Tithe
Resources
Finance
Annual Giving Campaign
Environment
St. Francis Day Celebration & Blessing of the
Animals
Outreach
Pet Food Drive for an Animal Shelter
Gratitude
Youth Ministries
November
Ordinary Time/Thanksgiving/Christ the King
Theme: Gratitude
Components
Action Focus
Resources
Spirituality
Grateful Hearts
Count your Blessings Cards
Ministry
Soup Kitchen - Stewardship of the Eucharist
Finance
Annual Giving Ingathering Event
Environment
Plant Garden Ornamental Vegtables for Winter
Harvest
Outreach
Turkeys for Food Pantry
Gratitude
All Contributors
Episcopal Diocese of West Texas - Year Round Stewardship Calendar
EXHIBIT
6
APPENDIX
6
Home Diocese
Abide in Me
Annual Councils
Bishops
Camps and Conferences
Christian Education
Christian Faith in Action
College Ministry
Committees and Commissions
Communications
Congregational Resources
Constitution & Canons
Continuing Education
Departments
Development
Disaster Relief
Facilities
Financial Services
Forms
Foundation in West Texas
Year Round Stewardship
Calendar
| Quick Links
We are accustomed to thinking
of stewardship in terms of the
annual "pledge drive." It happens
once a year, and mostly we
endure it as a necessary evil to
raise money to run the church.
But stewardship is not an annual
"event" we hold in October.
Stewardship is what we do
with all that God has given us,
all the time. This calendar takes
stewardship out of the "annual
occurrence" category and places
it where it should be - right in
front of us, all year ‘round.
Stewardship Home
Development Home
Foundation Home
Annual Giving
Capital Giving
The calendar gives
congregations suggestions and
resources for practicing year
‘round stewardship. Each month,
the church season is explained
and a theme is identified around which individual and congregational activities might take place
in five recurring categories: Spiritual Growth, Ministry Spotlight, Financial Health, Outside
Ourselves and God's Creation.
To get it started, we are identifying a theme for each month, along with resources and
suggestions for implementing the theme in each category. But this is only a starting place. Use
as many or as few of the suggestions and resources offered. Be brave - and creative - and
custom-fit the ideas to your congregation. For instance if the calendar suggests thanking your
music ministry team and you don't have a music ministry at your church, take this is opportunity
to raise that awareness in your congregation and think about what you need and how you can
accomplish it.
This is truly a work-in-progress. We haven't finished all the months, but will be staying three
months ahead. As you come up with your own ideas, send them to us at
nancy.stinson@dwtx.org and we will add them to the calendar. We are especially interested in
stories about how your congregation adapts these suggestions locally so we can learn from
each other. Governing Bodies
Safeguarding
Staff
Links to Monthly Calendars are below. But first, an explanation of each of the five categories
of our Stewardship "pie".
Spiritual Growth
Stewardship
World Mission
Youth and Young Adults
User Tools
Search
Faithful stewardship is deeply connected to a healthy spiritual life. This category offers ways to
deepen the spiritual lives of individuals and the congregation. The focus of the spirituality
component will always go deeper into the theme of the month.
Ministry Spotlight
The mission of a congregation is largely carried out through its ministries. Focusing on a
different ministry each month is a way of giving thanks for that ministry and raising awareness
about it to attract new participants (the time and talent part of stewardship). Ways to do this
include commissioning ministry members during a church service, highlighting a different ministry
in the church newsletter each edition, or inviting the ministry head to say a few words about the ministry during the announcements segment of worship.
Contact Information
http://www.dwtx.org/index.php/diocese/Year_Round_Stewardship_Calendar[1/21/2011 3:02:27 PM]
Legacy (Planned) Giving
Year Round Stewardship Calendar
Episcopal Diocese of West Texas - Year Round Stewardship Calendar
physical 111 Torcido Dr.
address San Antonio, Tx 78209
This component also encourages saying "thank you" to a particular ministry every month by
writing thank you notes to individual ministry members or serving dinner at one of the ministry's
meetings (or a way that you think of).
Financial Health
mailing P.O.Box 6885
address San Antonio, Tx 78209
telephone (210 or 888) 824-5387
facsimile (210) 824-2164
e–mail general.mail@dwtx.org
domain dwtx.org
This category offers a particular opportunity for an appeal, focus on fiscal responsibility, or
financial ministry offering. Some of these activities can be used to communicate the
congregational leadership's good stewardship of the congregation's material resources.
Activities in the financial component should not be limited to congregational finances; there are
also many ways families can be intentional about how they manage their money including what
they are saving and what percentage of their income they are giving away..
Outside Ourselves
In outreach we take our stewardship to the streets of our communities. These activities help
people connect their pledge to ministry; in addition, communicating and celebrating the stories of meeting the needs of people are important motivators for personal stewardship decisions.
God's Creation
A steward is a person to whom something is entrusted, and how we care for the environment
that God has entrusted to us is a mark of our faithfulness. This category can include caring for
the environment in our communities, in our homes, and in our churches. Activities that show
care for the environment are especially attractive to children and families.
Summary of Seasons and Themes of the Year
Months of the Year Season
Theme
Links
December 2010
Advent
Preparing the Way
To December
January 2011
Epiphany
Light
To January
February 2011
Season of Epiphany
Sacramental Life
To February
March 2011
Lent
Discipline
To March
April 2011
Holy Week/Easter
From Death to Life
To April
May 2011
Easter Season
Encountering Christ
To May June 2011
Pentecost,
Trinity Sunday,
Ordinary Time
The Power of the Holy Spirit To June July 2011
Ordinary Time
Liberation/Vacation
To July
August 2011
Ordinary Time
To August
September 2011
Ordinary Time,
Literacy
St. Michael's & All Angels
To September October 2011
Care of all Creation
To October
November 2011
All Saints,
Thanksgiving
Christ the King
Gratitude
To November http://www.dwtx.org/index.php/diocese/Year_Round_Stewardship_Calendar[1/21/2011 3:02:27 PM]
EXHIBIT 6
St Patrick’s Stewardship
St.
p Ministry
y
May
y 27,
27, 2007
St. Patrick's is embarking
St
g on a new journey.
jjourney
y A journey
j
y of year-round
y
stewardship
p where we will broaden and deepen
p
our
understanding
g of stewardship—and
p
where we will celebrate and be thankful for our existing
g ministries of giving.
giving
g
g
So watch for ongoing stewardship information in the Sunday inserts, the Breastplate, and other communications from St.
Patrick’s.
Patrick
s. This new stewardship icon will alert you to learn about how others are participating in year-round stewardship, and
ways you can participate
i i
in
i this
hi spiritual
i i
l practice
i
off joyful
j f l generosity.
i
B ce Rockwell,
Bruce
Rock ell Assistant to the Bishop for
fo Stewardship
Ste a dship in Western
Weste n Massachusetts,
Massach setts provides
p o ides additional insight
insight*.
insight*. He says:
sa s
“As we acknowledge
g who we are,
are, stewards of God’s creation,
creation, and whose we are,
are, disciples
p
of Jesus Christ,
Christ, we begin
g to live lives
of stewardship.
stewardship
p We become more generous,
generous
g
, growing
g
g into the image
g of God.
God As we become more generous,
g
generous, we experience
p
the
grace of God in new ways.
ways As we become people who give joyfully and thankfully to God through God
God’s
s church,
church we empower the
Church for mission and ministry. . . .
I iis ffor these
It
h
reasons that
h iit iis iimportant to d
develop
l
a year
year-round
round
d process off stewardship
d hi education
d
i
and
d fformation.
i
F
For these
h
reasons we offer
ff
education
d
ti
throughout
th
h t the
th year, nott only
l as we approach
h the
th time
ti
off the
th stewardship
t
d hi commitment
it
t program,
k
known
by
b some as the
th annuall pledge
l d
drive
d i
or campaign.
i
...
There are some who think stewardship
p is only
y about money.
money
y It is about money
y and far more than money.
money
y It is about all of life.
life It
is about creation.
creation It is about relationships
p with our families and with others.
others It is about the way
y we use our time.
time It is about the
way we care for our bodies.
bodies It is about all of life.
life "
By Deb Parker
Communication Coordinator for Stewardship
St. Patrick
Patrick's,
k's, Dublin,
bl
OH
*http://diocesewma
*http://diocesewma.org/resources/parishstew.html#own
http://diocesewma.org/resources/parishstew.html#own
org/resources/parishstew html#own
Stewardship Communications
St. Patrick's, Dublin, OH
Events
Jan-08
6
Feb-08
13
20
27
3
Weekly
Adult
St. Patrick's
Parish E- Forum/Service Newsletter:Br
mail
announcement
eastplate
Diocese of
Southern
Ohio
Newsletter:
Interchange
Other (1.Web posting 2. Tract rack 3.
Fliers or brochures 4. Poster
5. ENews Connection 6. Survey 7.
Sermon 8. Podcast/blog,
9. Misc)
2. Theme from Desert Pete-giving
to our neightbors (not only money
but taking the time to understand
others better). Not taking more
than we need.
Written permission OKd to reprint,
given by Rev. Bill Tully, St. Barts.
NYC on Dec 31, 2007
X
X
X
X
9. Day designated for ERD by
Presiding Bishop
X
A Focus on Firstness
"Stewardship Begins A story of a relatives
childhood
hildh d memory off
att H
Home""
her father making the
church first each
payday. Deb
A Focus on Children
"Stewardship Begins Children's books
relating to
at Home"
stewardship. Look for
the connections. Deb
X
X
Holy Week
Easter
2. Easter & Family
Forum topic:Holy Habits-Our
Children Learn from us, so what
are some holy habits to share.
Adult Forum on
"Stewardship Begins
at Home"
Deb
X
X
6
Mission Convocation
Announcement
Deb & N&WMC
X
X
May 3 convocation called by bishop
after DSO fall convention.
13
Mission Convocation
Announcement
Deb & N&WMC
X
X
"
13
Let Your Light So
Shine
God's Gifts: Farmers
Market
20
20
Mission Convocation
Announcement
Deb, Meribah & N&WM
Stewardship Quote
27
4
11
Mothe's Day &
Pentecost
Family Stewardship
Memorial Day
X
X
X
X
X
Interview Charlie H.
and/or others who
work in this ministry?
Raising children to be
stewards: stories
from youth mission
trip and/or
elementary
programs?
Stewardship Quote
Stewardship Quote
Christian Formation
Commission Conf
8
X
X
X
X
9. Misc: Mission Convocation called
by bishop on May 3.
3 All day @
Procter Center
X
Also submit for Interchange (share
with Nancy, as part of N&WMC
communications)
X
X
X
X
Deb
X
Deb
X
Christian Formation
Commission Conf
15
Focus on Generosity 9. Share at
Stewardship mtg.
X
X
11
11
25
1
X
Article based on TENS
conf insights. Deb
Deb (article from
Interchange)
Mission Convocation
Announcement
Deb, Meribah & N&WM
Stewardship Quote
God's Gifts: Stories Deb and Lissa
from Honduras
Barker?
God's Gifts: Friends
of the Homeless
Jun-08
Due by 15th of each month
Valentine's Day
13
May-08
Weekly
Parish
Bulletin
Insert
Due each Wed
Deb edits sermon
God's Gifts: Ohio
Meribah with Deb
Interfaith Power and doing final edit
Light
ERD announcment &
collection
30
Apr-08
Author(s)
Format
Ash Wed (6th)
9
9
16
23
Message
Desert Pete
10
Mar-08
2008
Epiphany
10
17
24
2
13-Apr-08
X
DSO Conf-Sept 27. Reserve the
date. More to come. One session
on stewardship & education
DSO Conf-Sept 27. Reserve the
date. More to come. One session
on stewardship & education
God's Gifts: Friends
of the Homeless
15
15
15
22
Interview Charlie H.
and/or others who
work in this ministry?
Raising children to be
More Family
Stewardship (maybe stewards: stories
from youth mission
with a summer
trip and/or
focus)
elementary
programs?
Leaving a Legacy
Stewardship Quote
X
X
Planned giving-follow
up from spring adult
forum class?
X
Other notes from 1/15 Stewardship Meeting
1 Adult Forum Follow up: Possible class topics on "Stewardship of Time" and "Discerning what the Holy Spirit calls us to do."
2 Collect short explanations from parishoners on what stewardship means to each of them (have some sort of gift or reward
for those who contribute? Flesh out this idea more.)
3 Follow up topic for next stewardship meeting: What can we do relating to Family Stewardship, so this is more than just
a Breastplate article. Is there something with youth? Church school? Adult forums? Other?
4 Insert Stewardship quote in bulletin each week, even if there are no other Stewardship events.
Invitation to include at the end of each stewardship story in the Breastplate:
Stewardship “is an attitude in which we acknowledge that all that we have and all that we are is a gift from the loving God, who generously entrusts us with good
gifts.” If you would like to share a story about God’s gifts, or service you thankfully perform for the glory of God’s creation, the stewardship committee welcomes
your contribution. Please contact Deb Parker at 740.548.3613 or e-mail her at info@slem3.com to tell her your story.
Stewardship
p Communications
St Patrick
St.
Patrick's
P t i k's Fall
F ll 2007 Pledge
Pl d
Drive
D i
Events
Sep-07
Sep
07
2
9
Labor Day
Week
Ed & Adult
Forums Begin
9
9
16
Pl dg Drive
Pledge
D i
Chairs:
Ch i
Mary
M y and
d John
J h
Format
Due each Wed
Due by 15th of each month
St. Patrick
Patrick's
s
Newsletter:
B eastp
Breastplate
t late
t
Diocese of
Southern
Ohio
Newsletter:
I te
Interchange
t cha ge
Dick G.
G
X
X Nov
D b
Deb
X
Message
God s Gifts Request
God's
Reminder of Forum
Topics
G d's Gifts:
God's
God
Gift
Kairos/Cursillo
Stewardship Pledge
Drive Ingathering
g
g
notice per conv with
S
Spencer
9/11
11 N
11-Nov-07
07
Author(s)
h ( )
Weekly
I se t
Insert
Deb
x
Deb
x
Weekly
E
E-mail
ail
Adult
Forum/Service
announcement
a
ou ce e t
X
X Adult Forum
2. Stewardship
2
p & Faith
at work/w neighbors
23
14
R
Reminder
i d off d
dates
t
for letter writing
Letter writing
Remider
Pledge Sermon
W it up personall
Write
witness story for
newsletter
Global Village
g Sale
God's
God
s Gifts:
St
Stewardship
d hi
14
14
First Letter Day:
y
Bulletin Reminder
Pl d
Pledge
S
Sermon
J h /D b edit
John/Deb
dit
Deb for Insert/e-mail,
Insert/e-mail
Mary and John to
decide for
announcement
B
Bruce
and
dM
Meribah
ib h
Back up
p Letter Day
y
Mary and John to
decide
30
Oct 07
Oct-07
7
7
14
21
21
28
Nov-07
4
4
4
11
11
11
11
Other (1.Web
(1 Web posting 2
2.
Tract rack 3. Fliers or
brochures 4.
4 Poster
5
5.
E-News
E
News Connection 6.
Survey 7.
7 Sermon 8
8.
Podcast/b
Podcast/blog)
d
t/blog))
Bishop
Bi
Bishop's
h 's Visit
Vi it
All Saints
Sunday & St.
Pat's
Anniversary
A
Announce
Ingathering Sunday
on Nov 4
Reminder that
pledge cards are due
th 4th
the
4th.
Ingathering
g
g
notice/reminder
notice/reminder.
I
Ingathering
th i
presentation of
gifts/pledge cards
TBD
MDG and
St
Stewardship:
d hi Gift
Giving Season
Report on results of
pledge
p
g drive,
drive, and
thanks
Reminder to turn in
pledge cards, if it is
not already
y done.
done
Thanks if it is done.
done
M ib h & B
Meribah
Bruce's
Bruce
's
stewardship story
for newsletter
God's Gifts: Art and
the Global Village
MDG and
Stewardship:Adult
Forum
11
MDG Adult Forum
18
R
Report
t on results
lt off
pledge drive,
drive and
thanks?
18
Fall 2007 Pledge
g Drive Communications
Deb
Deb
John D.
D
X
X
X
7 Personal Witness
7.
Deb assist
Deb
X
X
X
X
X
X
X Letter
Writing
g
Reminder
X
X Letter
Writing
Reminder
D b ffor IInsert/e
Deb
Insert/e-mail,
t/ mail,
il
Spencer/Stephen for
announcement
8. Letter
8
writing/mailing
7 P
7.
Personall Wit
Witness
8. Letter
writing/mailing
g/
g
X
Insert/e-mail
announcementt
X
X
Deb
X
X
X?
TBD
D b ffor IInsert/e
Deb
Insert/e-mail,
t/ mail,
il
and announcement
X
X
John & Mary to decide
2. Set up gift giving
2
suggestions
ti
on T
Tractt
Rack
X
X
X
X
Deb edit for print?
X
Deb
X
Insert/e-mail
and announcement by
Meribah?
Meribah and/or Deb
John & Mary to decide
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
APPENDIX 7 Liturgical Season Teaching Opportunities What follows is taken from Inspiring Generosity, a resource of Stewardship and Church Finances Ministry, Local Church Ministries, United Church of Christ, 700 Prospect Avenue East, Cleveland, OH 44115‐1100. To order copies of this resource visit THIS LINK. The product is available in print and as a PDF download. Advent: Expectation Stewardship is about managing the abundance that God has made ours— and not just “ours” but everyone’s. This abundance is no less than life itself, the gift of God in which all share. How do we understand this gift? That abundance? In Christian understanding, this is expressed in terms of the Advent or coming of Christ—the expectation that in everything we know and face, goodness and mercy are waiting to be born anew and made real again in and for us and others. This is the light that was in the world but which the world knew not, says John (1:10). Amid the deepest shadows of evil and suffering, we expect that God’s light shall pierce the gloom, revealing love and justice to which we had been oblivious or “blind.” Is this what we expect? The quality of our expectations determines the quality of our action. As we look at what we face, personally and congregationally, what kinds of questions are we asking? Do we fear the worst or expect the best? The quality of giving hangs in the balance, awaiting our answer to the question of Advent: Do we believe that even amid the hardest and most challenging circumstances, hope and assurance, power and possibility are on the way, waiting to happen again? Nothing squelches good giving more than misgiving about what we face. Nothing blocks generosity so well as anxiety about what lies before us. Nothing prevents the discernment of abundance better than a fear of scarcity—worry about not having enough. During the season of Advent, sow messages of anticipation of goodness and mercy.
What is reaped is morale and trust— the “blessed assurance” that overcomes common
fears of scarcity. “Gifted by God” with the expectation of abundance, “we offer ourselves
in praise,” living out this expectation in our own giving.
Christmas: Incarnation And they shall name him Emmanuel,’ which means, ‘God is with us’” (Matthew 1:23). Stewardship looks at all of life and says, “This is not just a given. It’s a gift.” That is the perception of “incarnation,” the heart of Christmas in light of which all we feel and face is no longer just what we make of it, but what God makes of it—the One who in Jesus becomes “flesh of our flesh, bone of our bones”—part of the world as we know it. What God makes is good, twisted and distorted though it has become. And so it is, as Martin Luther put it, “God can draw straight with a crooked line and ride a lame horse.” Whether what we feel or face is beautiful or ugly, tragic or fortunate—or anywhere in between—all this is the grist of grace, the cradle of Christ, and the means whereby God again becomes real for us. In the light of Bethlehem, everything betokens God‐with‐us—everything acquires the quality of “gift.” Is this how we experience life? As truly a gift or just a given? During hard moments of discouragement or despair, can we, like the great Scottish Christian, Samuel Rutherford, say in effect, “Jesus Christ came into my prison cell last night, and every stone flashed like a ruby”? Can we say with the poet Elizabeth Barrett Browning, “Earth’s crammed with heaven, and every common bush afire with God”? Can we say with St. Francis, after a long, uneventful journey, “I experienced a miracle. Nothing untoward happened.” In the birth of Jesus, creation itself is seen as redemption. In all that is, including everything we feel and face, precisely there is a gift waiting to be recognized as such: the saving presence of God, deeper and wider than all that is contrary. Living out of that sense of life, we give accordingly, no longer handling what we have as ours alone but as something of God. And when we share that sense of life with others, divine goodness is made known all over again, for us, too. During the season of Christmas, sow messages of a sense of life as the gift of God withus. What is reaped is joy—relief and delight that demands to be shared, like laughter or
tears—gladness that spills over into giving. “Gifted by God” with the very presence of
the Lord, “we offer ourselves in praise,” giving as we have received.
Epiphany: The Season to Celebrate the Manifestation of Christ to the World The visit of the Magi to Jesus and his later baptism in the river Jordan are held to mark the appearance (“epiphany”: manifestation) of Christ to the Gentiles, that is, the world. Baptism and mission are joined at their source in Jesus, in whom God’s self‐sharing is seen as the redemption of all creation. Epiphany is an excellent context in which to understand that we are stewards not just of our resources or God’s. More fundamentally, we are stewards of God’s own act of generosity as we know this in Jesus. Giving for us means participation in the mission of God’s stewardship, sharing in divine generosity. As with Christ himself, our own baptism means that we are not made to find fulfillment in the enclosure of our own lives, among our own kind. Rather, we are sent (Latin, missio, from which we get our word “mission”) to share in the self‐
giving of Christ to others. And in Jesus this mission, God’s mission, is manifest not as idealism seeking to “meet needs” but as realism making known the all‐inclusive abundance of God’s self‐
giving love, the redemptive reality of healing and wholeness at the heart of life. How do we understand our own giving? As sharing what we have, to make up for the deficit of what others lack? As overcoming “scarcity”? Or, as enabling others to experience that in which we all share: the divine bounty of grace and goodness, the redemptive love of God awaiting recognition in all the circumstances of life? The self‐giving of Christ that we are sent to share is not something that happens between “haves” and “have‐nots.” It is not the alleviation of the “neediness” of others. That sort of giving is patronizing and elitist. It is benevolence that divides and excludes and is often characterized by calculation of the blessing gained or bestowed by our acts of giving. Rather, “self‐giving” establishes our presence alongside others with whom, together, we participate in what God’s own giving makes possible: the blessing of healing and wholeness waiting to happen again in us, through us, and for us all. During the season of Epiphany, sow messages of understanding Christian stewardship
as the manifestation of God’s own self-giving, which we are sent to share with others.
What is reaped is an understanding of baptism as the motivation of both stewardship
and mission—”baptism” seen as our incorporation in the redemption of the world, the
healing and wholeness to which our giving testifies and in which our giving enables us to
participate.
“Gifted by God,” with God’s own self-giving love, “we offer ourselves in praise,” showing
and sharing the graceful abundance at the heart of life.
Lent: a penitential time of spiritual discipline in preparation for the celebration of Easter Originally a time to prepare candidates for baptism, Lent became a period of penitence for those who have been baptized, a time of spiritual discipline in preparation for the celebration of Easter. At root, penitence, like repentance, concerns a fundamental turning away from self‐reliance to trust in God, a change of mind and life direction evoked by the good news of Jesus Christ. At heart, stewardship is about where we place our trust. It is less about possessions than possessiveness. Our capacity to love is hampered by our need to have. This is an issue of control: How much must I maintain to feel secure? Understood this way, stewardship is a spiritual discipline that loosens our grip on what we have for the sake of what we love. Loving and trusting God in the spirit of Christ, we live and give more freely and openly, less anxiously, less selfishly, more generously. So it is that in his classic work, Having and Being, the French thinker Gabriel Marcel, says, “There is neither freedom nor ‘real life’ without an apprenticeship in ‘depossession.’” This is less a matter of giving up possessions than giving up an attitude—turning over to God the trust that had resided in our own ability to regulate and control what we love and care about. With this turning over, giving itself becomes more natural, and some form of generosity is virtually inevitable. An ancient rabbi wrote, “We are born with our fists clenched and die with our hands
wide open.” The plain facts of life and death confirm God’s will and point to God’s way
for us. In effect, we have to find a way to hold onto life with open hands.
That is the Lenten discipline of stewardship: learning how to hold what we have less
tightly, without clutching, more openly. The lesson is summed up well by Andre Gide,
who wrote: “Complete possession is proved only by giving. All you are unable to give
possesses you.”
How are “possessiveness” and “control” issues in our own lives?
During the season of Lent, sow messages acknowledging an awareness of
the tension between loving and “possessing,” enjoying and controlling,
being and having, generosity and uptightness.
What is reaped is a truer sense of giving as repentance—“repentance” understood not
morbidly, as turning against oneself, fists clenched, but hopefully, as turning toward
God, hands open.
“Gifted by God,” with the freshly discerned abundance of freedom and confidence we
could not grasp with closed hands, “we offer ourselves in praise,” knowing that in giving
we receive what in possessiveness we lose.
Easter: Resurrection ‐‐ Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there. Writing seventy‐five years ago about the future of Europe, the great German poet Rainer Maria Rilke gave unwitting witness to the truth of both Good Friday and Easter: “Hatred is once more the decisive and driving force in a world which can only be healed in the long run by a superabundance of love, mercy, and good will.” Impossible to conceive without Good Friday—blunt testimony to the decisive power of hatred—Easter turns the tables and gives the last word to life and love. In the resurrection of Jesus, the truth of the world is reborn: Justice and goodness shall prevail, outwitting and outlasting the most crucifying powers arrayed against them. Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there. Easter says you can put truth in a grave, but it won’t stay there. Christian Stewardship is
what happens when we believe this. It is the generosity that flows from a sense of the
“superabundance” of life to which Jesus’ resurrection testifies.
In the light of Easter, fears of scarcity and loss are overcome: We are “born anew into a living hope… an inheritance that is imperishable” (1 Peter 1:3). Never need we fear that who we are, what we have, and how we love are not enough—inadequate given what is necessary—
perishable commodities that must be protected. “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves,” says Paul, “but our sufficiency is from God, who makes us sufficient… [and whose] Spirit gives life” (2 Corinthians 3:6). No uncertainty or hardship we face, no problem or challenge is greater than the power of God. Beating at the heart of life, God’s love is stronger than death itself, making possible more than all we can ask or imagine. Released from the anxiety that often constricts the way we live and give, we grow in the joy that makes us more open to others, minded to share, eager to give. How can we keep to ourselves the energy unleashed by the assurance summed up by Paul when he declared, “Neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, is able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38‐39). How do we understand “resurrection”? Is this but a promise for the future, or also
assurance in the present?
During the season of Easter, sow messages of the very present hope made possible by
the victory of Christ over death and evil.
What is reaped is an outflow of joy and generosity undeterred by fears of scarcity or
inadequacy.
“Gifted by God” with this Easter faith, “we offer ourselves in praise,” letting our giving
testify to the unstoppable power of God’s great love.
Pentecost: Power Pentecost for Christians is a celebration of the “first fruits” of the resurrection: the gift of the Holy Spirit, which is the power of God made known in Jesus — “the power of the power of life itself,” as Frederick Buechner puts it. Known by its fruit, the Holy Spirit is manifest in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self‐control (Galatians 5:22‐23). Associated originally with the Jewish festival that began when the first fruits of the harvest were presented to God, Pentecost for Christians is a celebration of the “first fruits” of the resurrection: the gift of the Holy Spirit, which is the power of God made known in Jesus —“the power of the power of life itself,” as Frederick Buechner puts it. Known by its fruit, the Holy Spirit is manifest in love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, generosity, faithfulness, gentleness, and self‐control (Galatians 5:22‐23). Too often the “stewardship work” of the church tries to turn on the lights of greater
giving when the power is off. New methods of enlisting support, new programs to
motivate pledges, new ways of doing a fall campaign — all of these efforts falter and
ultimately fail without the energy that inspires giving in the first place: the joy of the
Spirit, God’s power made ours.
Giving that is not “pentecostal” is merely adequate and often meager. Generosity is a fruit of the Spirit. In the secular world, morale is called the key to better giving. In the church, morale is
called “Spirit,” without which the challenge of giving becomes a plea for support, largely
unheeded. Spiritual vitality is the precondition of financial vitality. The number one
stewardship task of the church is to build morale — to enhance a sense of God’s Spirit,
making sure the atmosphere and attitude of the congregation express and nurture an
experience of God’s power.
This means that stewardship is hardly the monopoly of one committee. It is the responsibility of every committee, indeed the very heart of the church’s ministry. The quality of Sunday worship, the excellence of the education program of the church, how well the church enjoys and celebrates its life together, how well the church presents and promotes understanding of its own mission as well as the wider mission, how effectively faith can be shown to strengthen life at home, on the job, in the community ‐ all these are issues bearing on an experience of the presence of God. Where that experience is thin, giving is thinner, and any emphasis on “stewardship” simply depletes further the limited energy of the congregation. How strong is the power that “turns on the lights” in your congregation? How vibrant is a sense of God’s presence? During the long season of Pentecost, sow messages of awareness that the goodness and
mercy of God are a very present power at work in the world and in each of our lives—
right now.
What is reaped are the “fruits of the Spirit,” among which is generosity — giving founded
and grounded in firsthand knowledge of the love of God.
“Gifted by God” with a sense of divine presence, “we offer ourselves in praise,” living for
the glory of God as people who know the richness of life at its best.
APPENDIX 8
Teaching Opportunities in the Liturgy – Hymns
What follows was created by the Rev. Jonathan & Deborah Hutchison of HeartSounds for the 2010
TENS Conference, Indianapolis, IN. Contact Jonathan and Deborah at chesed2@msn.com
Music Resources for Stewardship Programs
From The Hymnal 1982
Morning Has Broken 8
O Gracious Light 25
Alleluia # 1 178
Praise To God Immortal Praise 288
I Come With Joy 304
Let Us Break Bread Together 325
I Am The Bread Of Life 335
Now Thank We All Our God 397
For The Fruit Of All Creation 424
There’s A Wideness 469
Lord of All Hopefullness 482
Come My Way 487
Jesus Calls Us 550
‘Tis The Gift To Be Simple 554
Lord, Make Us Servants of You Peace 593
Jesu, Jesu 602
If Thou But Trust 635
When Israel Was in Egypt’s Land 648
Love Divine, All Loves Excelling 657
Amazing Grace 671
Come Thou Fount 686
As Those of Old 705
Take My Life 707
Seek Ye First 711
From Wonder, Love and Praise
There’s A Sweet, Sweet Spirit in This Place 752
From Lift Every Voice And Sing
It Is Well With My Soul 188
There’s A Sweet, Sweet Spirit in This Place 120
Hymns and songs in the Public Domain
Standing in the Need of Prayer
Revive Us Again
Just a Closer Walk With Thee
Thank You, Lord
Online Resources
Contemporary music recordings: http://library.generousgiving.org/page.asp?sec=67&page=116
Index of Stewardship Hymns: http://library.generousgiving.org/page.asp?sec=67&page=114
Stewardship Hymns & Songs:
http://www.parishresources.org.uk/preach/hymnssongs.htm
http://www.lutheranmusic.com/library/TLH/pages/hymn-sections.html
http://www.hymnary.org/?qu=stewardship+hymns
http://www.lnwhymns.com/products/topics/stewardship.htm
Books
First Fruits, a worship anthology on generosity and giving, was compiled by Mann, Stevens & Wilmington
for the Anglican Stewardship Association and published by Canterbury Press 2001.
APPENDIX 9
PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE
The following form for the Prayers of the People was developed for the 2010 TENS Conference,
Indianapolis, IN under the careful guidance of the Rev. Whitney Rice, Curator, Christ Church Cathedral.
The Prayers of the People
That we may turn to God for guidance and direction as we strive to serve one another and the Church
with the gifts God has entrusted to our care.
Open our hearts, Lord,
To serve you with joy.
That we may more easily choose to serve rather than to be served, to give rather than to take, to
contribute rather than to consume.
That we may learn to more deeply trust God to provide us with all that we need.
That we may learn to see the difference between the simple things we need and the many things we
want.
That, like the Blessed Virgin Mary, we may say “Yes” to what God calls us to do, always
remembering that God has done great things for us.
That, through our good stewardship, we may build up God’s kingdom here on earth as it is in heaven.
That we may recognize the many blessings the poor and needy bring to us even as we seek to share
our blessings with them.
That we may come to more fully realize that everything we have is a gift from God and we are called
to generously share these gifts with all who are in need.
That we may learn to see ourselves as God’s beloved children who have been called to work in
God’s kingdom and spread God’s love throughout the world.
That we may find more time to pray, to give thanks for all of God’s blessings and ask for guidance in
best using the gifts entrusted to our care.
That as we look upon the world, we may see the unseen, love the unlovable, and bind up the
brokenhearted wherever we find them.
Bishop Loving God, we come to you in thanksgiving, knowing that all that we are and all that we
have is gift from you. Speak your words into the depths of our souls, that we may hear you clearly.
We offer to you this day all the facets of our lives, whether it be at home, at work, or at school – to be
patient, to be merciful, to be generous, to be holy. Give us the wisdom and insight to understand your
will for us and the fervor to carry out our good intentions. We offer our gifts of time, talent and
possessions to you as a true act of faith, to reflect our love for you and our neighbors. Help us to
reach out to others as you our God have reached out to us. We ask these things in the name of your
Son our Savior Jesus Christ. Amen.
APPENDIX 10
Liturgy Resources for Enhancing the Offering Invitation, Prayer of
Consecration for the Offering, and Messages in Worship Bulletins
NOTE: Use care to check the lectionary based resources noted below against your current lectionary as
some of these resources may not exactly match the current lectionary that your parish/diocese may be
using.
Anglican Church of Canada
The Book of Alternative Services of The Anglican Church of Canada offers a “Prayer over the Gifts” to be
said after the celebrant receives the offering. The prayers are different for each Sunday. This Book of
Alternative Services can be found by beginning here online – select The Book of Alternative Services
after reading the licensing agreement. Go to page 268 to begin locating these prayers.
Lectionary based reflections written by Michael Pollessel for each Sunday for Year A, Year B, & Year C
are included on the following pages as part of this appendix. These can be used in worship bulletins,
parish newsletters, etc.
United Church of Canada
The stewardship pages for the United Church of Canada begin here. For an example of monthly worship
bulletin inserts that offer inspiring, biblically-based reflections on stewardship themes go here. Also
search for “offering invitations” at the UCC website to discover lectionary based resources in several
different locations.
Lutheran Church Missouri Synod
Short statements on the stewardship implications of the Sunday lectionary that can be printed in the
Sunday bulletin are located here.
Luther Seminary
No list of stewardship resources is complete without mentioning Luther Seminary and their Stewardship
Resource Database. Begin your search by starting here.
APPENDIX 11
SH ARE THE J OY
L iv i n g an d Tel l i ng… T he powe r o f s t o r ie s t o t r a n s f o r m
Why T ell Stor ies ?
The disciples came up and asked, “Why do you tell stories?” He replied, “You’ve been given
insight into God’s kingdom. You know how it works. Not everybody has this gift, this insight;
it hasn’t been given to them. Whenever someone has a ready heart for this, the insights and
understandings flow freely. But if there is no readiness, any trace of receptivity soon disappears.
That’s why I tell stories: to create readiness, to nudge the people toward receptive insight.”
Matthew 13:10-13, The Message
“ S t o r i e s a r e the single most powerful weapon in a leader’s arsenal.”
– H o ward G a rd n e r, H a rvard University
Telling stories is one of the most engaging and effective ways to spread the message of
generosity and invite people to consider a different way of life.
Telling your own story creates
communication that is interactive, genuine, and personalized. Yet, when it comes to money,
barriers may prevent us from sharing.
Barr i ers T o S harin g Y ou r Story Inventory
On a scale of 1-5 (one being not an issue, five being a barrier to sharing with others) rate the
following statements:
1. Giving is a private issue. It’s not my place to bring up the topic of money
with others. 1 2 3 4 5
2. God says in the Scripture not to let the right hand know what the left
hand is doing. If I talk about my giving journey it would be wrong in God’s eyes.
1 2 3 4 5
3. I do not want to seem prideful about my giving.
1 2 3 4 5
4. I do not want solicitations to increase because I am known as a giver.
1 2 3 4 5
5. I don’t know enough about the Bible to answer specific questions about money and
the bible. 1 2 3 4 5
All of the above statements are legitimate barriers we may face. To learn what scripture has
to say turn to the appendix and read “Overcoming Barriers to Sharing Your Own Story.”
For additional encouragement visit generousgiving.org.
S har i n g Y ou r S tory
“God writes our story with great passion and desire and he reveals our own
passions and desires as we read and listen to our story. Your story has power in
your own life, and it has power and meaning to bring to others.”
–Dan Allendar, Mars Hill Graduate School
Your story is one of the most powerful tools you have for influencing others. There is no
one best way to share your story; it is your story, and you can tell it in any way you like.
However, there is one inviolable principle. We must each share our story humbly and with the
recognition that we are all still on a journey. Sharing what we are learning, with a humility that
acknowledges our own weaknesses, invites others into a dialogue with us. Humility makes us
approachable.
W r i t i n g You r Jou rn ey of Ge nerosity
In preparing your story, it is helpful to develop a brief, three to five minute version that can
be expanded when there is interest on the part of the listener. To help you prepare, start by
working through some questions that typically come up, or have previously proven helpful to
others in thinking about a message they can deliver with ease and assurance. On a separate
piece of paper or in a journal, write down your answers to the questions below.
Clearly there are no right or wrong answers to these questions, just as there is no one best way
to share your story. Yet one of the most meaningful parts of preparing your own story happens
here, during the time you spend reflecting on how God has changed you over the years.
•
Where (or when) did my giving journey begin? Was there a definable “starting point”?
What are key milestones in my journey so far?
•
Has my journey been shaped by my spiritual background, my childhood, and my family?
Did these influences help or hinder, and if so, how? Were events or people who came
into my life later more influential to my journey than those in my childhood?
•
How have my views of money and possessions changed during my life. Have I
experienced changes in my goals, dreams, and fears about money? What are they now
contrasted or compared to what they have been in the past?
•
How successful have I become? How satisfying is it? Are there unexpected struggles
because of success? Do I have more than one standard for measuring my success?
•
How has the message of generosity transformed me? Did my view radically change or
has it been more gradual? What did I feel or experience as a result of these changes?
•
How do I hope to keep growing in this area?
W hat ’ s Nex t?
Now that you’ve had a chance to reflect on your journey use your answers to fill in this simple
outline for your basic story.
• My life before embracing the biblical message of generosity.
• When/How the message of biblical generosity captured me and continues to transform me.
• What my life has been like since understanding the biblical message of generosity
(including the struggles you still encounter).
Congratulations! You have a generosity story to share. Find a friend and practice sharing your
story with someone else. You’ll be amazed at how God will work in and through you!
App e n d i x : Overcoming Barriers to Sharing your Own Story
Over the last ten years, Generous Giving has asked individuals on various occasions to share
their giving story. Invariably, people are reluctant to talk about themselves in this way. This
section deals with the common barriers that make us hesitant to tell our personal giving story,
sometimes even to our closest friends.
Giving is a private issue. It’s not my place to bring up the topic of money
with others.
In many cultures, a person’s checkbook is considered no one else’s business. In a similar way,
some Christians say that their giving is a private matter, information to which only God is privy.
While it may feel risky there is nothing sinful about bringing up the topic of money with others
and sharing how God is working in your heart.
God says in the Scripture not to let the right hand know what the left
hand is doing. If I talk about my giving journey it would be wrong in God’s
eyes.
Jesus’ admonition to “not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing” is not a
prohibition from public giving. Matthew 6:3 is a frequently cited scripture used to validate
the uncertainty one feels in telling a personal story about giving. But consider the verses of
scripture that lead up to this. Matthew 5:16 says, “In the same way, let your light shine before
men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in heaven.” And Matthew
6:1-4 enlarges this concept saying, (1) “Be careful not to do your ‘acts of righteousness’ before
men, to be seen by them. If you do, you will have no reward from your Father in heaven. (2)
So when you give to the needy, do not announce it with trumpets, as the hypocrites do in the
synagogues and on the streets, to be honored by men. I tell you the truth, they have received
their reward in full.”
Conflicting messages? Not at all. Matthew 5:16 seems to be telling us that it is
very appropriate to share news of God’s work in our lives as long as God gets the praise and
the glory, while Matthew 6:1-3 reminds us not to give for the purpose of receiving earthly
recognition. As Jesus explains, when men honor you, you should then expect no further
recognition in heaven. In a similar way, the prohibition against the left hand knowing what the
right hand is doing seems to address the motives of the giver, but is not intended as guidance
for the Christian to keep the life transformational powers of generosity a secret.
I do not want to seem prideful about my giving.
Acting in a prideful way is reason for concern. As we read in James 4:6, “… God opposes the
proud, but gives grace to the humble.” We do not want to put ourselves at spiritual risk or in
a position where God will oppose us. We can, however, share our story in a spirit of weakness,
with recognition of our need for God to continue to change our attitudes and actions, along
with our sense of gratitude for how God has already changed us. In other words, we can be
humble. In this way, we give glory to God because it is His work in us, not our own effort,
which brings transformation.
I do not want solicitations to increase because I am known as a
giver.
Concern about your privacy or opening your life to excessive solicitation is reasonable
and shows good common sense. But sharing your story will not necessarily put you on a
grand stage. You may never address thousands of people, or even hundreds. The sharing of
your personal story is meant to be a tool for influencing others in settings where you feel
comfortable. You may find yourself talking over lunch with a longtime friend or sharing your
giving journey with your family, or a small group at church. If you have defined your own story
and are at ease telling it, you will have many opportunities to share it appropriately, as the Lord
leads you.
I don’t know enough about the Bible to answer specific questions
about money and the bible.
First, you don’t need to know all the answers to share your story. The great thing about a
story is it is your experience. It may or may not address a person’s questions but it can still
be a powerful tool. If questions arise that you don’t know how to answer just be honest and
encourage them to explore what scripture has to say about the matter. You may also want to
learn more about what the bible teaches. For additional resources on what the bible has to say
about money and giving visit www.generousgiving.org.
2010 Program Budget
Saint James Episcopal Church
S
aint James is an inspiring community! We inspire by committing to one another
in faith, love and hope. We inspire by becoming part of the renewal and
transformation of life. We literally in-spire, breathe in, the Holy Spirit through
common prayer and praise of God. Then we live beyond ourselves by offering fruits
of the Spirit.
Saint James Episcopal Church
119 North Duke Street, Lancaster, PA 17602
www.stjameslanpa.org
Inspiring Worship
A
ncient, modern and exquisite music brings generations
together to sing in communion with all the saints.
Whether it is soaring soprano descants, jazz mass, baroque
brass, or a children’s Christmas pageant, Saint James is
renowned for its music.
Here the newest clergy of the diocese take flight before our eyes along
with experienced clergy that offer a lifetime’s ministry gifts.
Baptisms, weddings and funerals glow with grace, comfort and truth.
The Rector and worship committee orchestrate more than 150 servers, acolytes, ushers,
choir and altar guild because of your gifts. Worship leadership and materials in 2010 will
cost approximately $234,180, or 18 percent of the budget.
Inspiring Education
P
reaching and teaching that sustains the search for faith is a
hallmark of life at Saint James. So, too, is the joy of knowing
God here. Through offerings within small groups and large, through
innovative evenings where all ages and families can learn
together, we find our faith growing.
We have a first-ever full time minister for children, youth
and families. Pilgrimages and mission trips expand hearts
and minds. Small groups engender thoughtful study;
friendships grow. We are learning together on campus, in
homes and in cafes and pubs. Education leadership and materials in 2010 will
cost approximately $174,066, or 13 percent of the budget.
Inspiring Care
O
ur love for one another grows when we realize how
incomplete we are without each other. When we are sick,
lonely, frightened, or grieving, we need to connect. As we bear
each other’s burdens, we strengthen one another.
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Pastoral support, listening and advice
Hospital visits
Eucharistic visitors and Stephen ministers
Bereavement and grief support
The 2010 costs for ministries of care will be $115,219, or 9 percent of the budget.
Inspiring Service
A
nchorage is more than breakfast. It is a vision of the
kingdom of God where all are welcome, none are hungry,
and all find rest and refreshment in Christ. In the winter, or in
pouring rain or in baking summer heat, our ministry truly and
uniquely opens doors to God’s love. We seek both to become
peace and to build peace in our world through ministries of service and justice in our
county, diocese, national church, and the Anglican Communion.
Volunteers are the most precious offering we have at Saint James, but the most
expensive is food costs, cleaning, heat, light and security. We have benefitted from
deepened community networks and expanded our base of supporters and donors. We have also asked guests
and volunteers how they would like to see our service improve. The costs of maintaining service ministries
in 2010, both in our community and throughout the world, will be $347,531 or 27 percent of the budget.
Inspiring Holy Space
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a churchyard’s seasonally changing charms
a place to remember, honor, pray and worship
a well-scrubbed parish house
history and godly heritage linked together
a place for children to meet, play and pray
the beauty of holiness in both church and chapel
a center for active service and justice
Building and grounds upkeep will cost $293,146, or 23
percent of the 2010 budget, plus 60 hard-working volunteers (project
participants and the Building and Grounds Committee).
Inspiring Communication
O
ffering an interactive website, calling for prayer in times
of crisis, publishing an acclaimed web-based newsletter,
updating our brilliant parish web-site, communicating by
every possible means -- communications connect and inspire
us, as well as equip us to share our good news with others.
Communications will cost $38,955 in 2010, or 3 percent of
the budget, plus the skill and artistry of 35 volunteers.
Inspiring Growth
G
rowth at Saint James involves
many things, including:
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gaining new depths of faith
giving generously
enjoying feasts, plays and parties
welcoming newcomers
increasing discipleship
engaging community partners
encouraging Lancaster’s artists and musicians
being unafraid of theological controversy
welcoming all who seek to serve God
Saint James New Members, 2009
Discipleship, fellowship and stewardship will cost $97,257 or 7 percent of the 2010 budget, plus absolutely
everyone associated with Saint James in any way (especially party planners, cooks, the Hospitality and
Newcomers Committees, stewardship leaders, Theology-with-a-Twist planners, and everyone who contributes
financially).
The Challenge for 2010
n an inspired community, we live beyond ourselves by offering the fruits of the Spirit -- love, joy and
peace -- in our homes, our city, and around the world. This sharing happens as we worship, learn, and
serve together; it overflows as we nurture the young, feed the hungry, and bind up the broken. This is
possible only by radical generosity and sharing of ourselves and all we possess across years, even across
the generations.
I
We will need $952,000 in giving to support 2010 programs, out of a total budget of $1,300,400. This is a
very ambitious goal in a recession, but we hope to translate it by demonstrating the joyous need and
effectiveness of such sacrificial giving. We hope to continue to add significantly to the number of those
who, like you, understand the fundamental place in Christian discipleship that the pledge and the tithe
have as the return of our first fruits in thanksgiving to God and to those in greatest need.
Saint James is an inspiring community! Our city and county depend daily on the community service and
leadership that Saint James members provide through their daily lives. Through giving, we are shining
brighter than ever as lights in our city, our diocese and increasingly our national and global church, too.
To God be the glory!
Fr. David +
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When we live with generous hearts we are perhaps living nearest to the heart of God. u
Stewardship 2007
Grace Episcopal Church
Stewardship 2007 In A Nutshell
WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF THIS BROCHURE?
• To increase the literacy of parishioners concerning Grace‚s financial obligations, responsibilities
and future goals.
• To introduce our stewardship program which this year runs from October 29 to December 3.
• We invite all parishioners to make an annual financial pledge in support of Grace operating
costs: salaries, programs, insurance, building maintenance, etc.
• To urge you and your family to join our effort to commit to our shared value of inclusion by
making a pledge in proportion to your ability.
WHAT WE WANT YOU TO KNOW:
• That we are dependent on annual pledges for 90 percent of our revenue.
• That we fell behind last year in Bill’s compensation and believe that this must be made right.
• That we want and need to add to our staff to complement and to pay them appropriately.
National comparators on church administration indicate that Grace is significantly understaffed.
• In addition, during Growing with Grace, we learned that parishioners want us to increase both
our music and faith development programs. (Ann to devote half time to music; a new part-time
person for the office; a new person dedicated to faith development will start in mid-summer.)
•That we carry debt to the diocese and bond-holders for this glorious, sacred building, and that
we must begin this year repaying that debt ($70,000 principal and interest this year) from
operating revenue. (It was a $3m development for which we incurred $500,000 of debt.)
WHY WE GIVE:
•To return to God, through Grace, a portion of what we have received.
• To live and give generously is to reflect the image of God within us.
• In gratitude for being in this place at this time.
To help more Grace happen
We’rere Making More Grace Happen
A
ll that we have comes from God’s creation. The bounty we enjoy may be the product of
our God-given abilities, or of having been in the right place at the right time, or even the
product of having chosen our parents wisely. But in some form or fashion, it all comes from
the same Creation. We yearn to give back some of what has been given to us. How should we
best do that? One idea is to return to God a portion of what we have received—a percentage
of our income, no matter the source of that income, recognizing that it all comes from God.
The Bible talks in terms of tithing—of returning 10 percent to God each year. We recognize that in today’s world, other institutions are also worthy of our generosity. So while Grace believes the church should receive a portion of what is returned
to God, Grace acknowledges that it is not the only institution that merits generosity.
As you know, Grace has from the outset embraced generosity as a congregation. Each year, we dedicate ten percent of our prior year’s income for some
form of outreach beyond our parish needs. In 2007, we will give almost
$39,000 to organizations that Grace members are involved with personally.
Congregational generosity and sharing is also an institutional characteristic of the
Episcopal Church. We give a portion of our income to the Diocese of Olympia, thereby supporting our denomination’s governing body, its missionary and charitable efforts, and its efforts to support congregations in need. In its own turn, Grace has been the beneficiary of Diocesan assistance as a recipient of a low-interest loan that financed part of our home for Grace.
“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance,
chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend.
Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.”~ Melody Beattie
A
t Grace, we see our giving as a way to practice and live
out a life of generosity. To live and give generously is to
reflect the image of God within us. When we live with generous hearts we are perhaps living nearest to the heart of God.
We also know that living generous lives is not always easy. It
takes practice, and it takes the support and commitment of a
community.
We want to deepen this practice. To begin doing so, we are
asking all members of this graceful community to seriously
consider pledging to Grace a portion of their income in percentage terms. What percentage? That’s a personal decision,
of course. And if we are trying, in various ways, to give away
10% of what we have been given, then we could target at
least one-third of our overall giving —3%-—toward supporting
ministry at Grace. This may be a new way for many of us to
determine how to give generously, but some of us have found
that this kind of proportional giving truly helps us practice our
generosity. It helps us measure how our generosity is growing.
Some will do more, of course, for which we are deeply grateful, even as we understand that some members, at least some
of the time, will be unable to pledge that much. But we believe
that most of us, most years, could (with maybe a little practice) set aside three cents on each of our dollars to return to
God through Grace. And while we can’t be absolutely certain,
we also believe that if most of us, most of the time, give a
minimum of 3%, we will have the wherewithal to make our
dreams for Grace come true.
Our Robust Dreams, &’’
Our Robust Budget
W
e have dreamed big at Grace, first
dreaming about founding our church,
then about a home and others who would become a part of those dreams. It all happened.
And while some of the best things in life may be
free, some aren’t, and our current dreams fall in
the latter category.
Specifically, two things are impacting our
dreams this year. First, as planned, we drew
down funds raised during previous capital campaigns. We must begin servicing the debt we incurred to build Grace out of operating funds. As
mortgages go, it’s modest indeed—less than 25
percent of the building’s cost. But as line items in
the budget go, it’s a significant addition. We will
be adding an annual expense of $70,200.
Image taken at the annual Grace Retreat at Fort Worden
this year during Sunday worship on the beach.
2
Stewardship 2007
S
econd, not only are people finding that they like
what we are and what we do at Grace, but they
want more of it. And there are more of us wanting
it. The Growing With Grace conversations that took
place over the past year identified a longing to “go
deeper” into our religious experience. In very clear
ways, people told us that they were hoping Grace
could provide more opportunities for meaningful
connection with each other and with God. This was
good news—news that can inspire a strategic direction. And it has done just that. Right now at Grace
we are developing new ways to gather and to help us
grow deeper into our connections and our faith. As
has been reported in newsletters and announcements,
“Soul School at Grace” is a response to those identified
needs. The mission of Soul School is simple, and still
evolving. With content and experience and culture we
hope that this new program initiative will help us all
learn and grow—as individuals and as a community.
3
It is, simply, a way to “school” our souls so we can live
more fully, and deeply, in the world around us. An
emerging initiative like this will take time—and it will
take resources.
This growth in both numbers and depth of offerings
requires more staff. At Grace we are blessed with a
small but resourceful group of paid “ministers.” What
our paid staff accomplishes with limited resources is
inspiring—and has become noticed and known around
the entire region. Think about our music. Think about
our publications. Think about our worship together
and the leadership that has helped Grace to grow. In
addition, we are incredibly blessed with an astonishing
number of retired clergy who have chosen to be part
of our Grace family, and they bring experienced and
practical support to our life. Still, we have some needs
that simply cannot be met without adding paid staff.
Stewardship 2007
You can see from the budget summary that we are
significantly increasing Ann Strickland’s salary, compensating her for the remarkable work she does as Music
Director, and giving her support to broaden that work
in music and the arts. We are also bringing Bill Harper’s salary in line with our contracted commitment to
him (We have to catch up a bit in 2007). We are also
planning to add part-time office staff to free Susan and
Ann to focus on the things they do best, and we need
to look closely at how we provide compensation and
benefits for all our staff. Lastly, we are committed to
adding a full-time paid professional staff position this
coming year. This person may be an ordained professional, or may be a lay person, but in either case we
want to hire someone who can lead and inspire us
in the area of “Faith Formation.” This person would
work closely both with Soul School and with our children’s programs.
Needless to say, all of these staffing decisions are
based on our numerical growth, and in fact are past
due. They are also based on our renewed commitment
to grow our connections to God and to each other. To
succeed in doing this we will need your help, and your
generosity.
To put all of this practically, these needs—servicing
the debt, adding staff and adequately compensating
our present staff for serving an ever-growing congregation— have added significantly to our budget.
The 2007 budget is up 40 percent over the 2006
budget. Drawing up such a budget feels like an act
of faith—and it is.
In addition, our Diocesan assessment (the money we
are required to return to the Diocese of Olympia to
help support that larger ministry) continues to increase. Because the assessment is based on our income,
an increased assessment is good news—a sign of our
financial health.
A 40 percent increase in total spending is a challenge,
but one we are confident that this faith community
4
can meet. We need more because we have dreamed
more. By practicing generosity, these dreams can once
again come true.
The Nuts & Bolts
T
he most fundamental mechanism for financing the
existence and activities of Grace is the pledge – a
commitment from an individual or family to donate
a specific amount of money to the church during the
next year.
Pledges are necessary both for the donors and for
the church. From the donors’ point of view, a pledge
provides the opportunity for prayerful reflection on
the significance of Grace and of generosity in our lives.
While the church appreciates the weekly plate offerings, basing our support for the church on putting
“loose change” in the offering plate means, in practice,
putting Grace last. We recognize that frequently, this
form of support is from newcomers who haven’t yet
taken a dedicated approach to membership. For those
who include Grace amongst those things that have special meaning, the practice of an annual pledge ensures
that we support Grace commensurately with the importance the church holds in our lives.
From the church’s point of view, pledges create a solid
foundation for planning. Pledges account for over 90
percent of annual income. So, in a sense, pledges are
to Grace what salaries are to family members. Just as
Grace knows there will be some additional income in
the form of plate offerings, new pledges and one-time
gifts, many of us know that in addition to our salaries,
we may get bonuses or raises. Yet for planning purposes, the principal reality is the salary. So it is at Grace.
The good news, though, is that because of those “extras,” and because we are still able to carry over some
capital reserves, we don’t need to increase our pledges
by a full 40 percent to meet our projected budget—a
30 percent increase will get us there.
u
Stewardship 2007
Pledges
Here Is How Our Parish Community Responded Last Year:
Pledge requests
359
Pledges
186
(52%)
Non-pledges
173
(48%)
Total dollars pledged
$367,671
Average pledge
$1,977
Median pledge (half more, half less)
$1,200
And Here Is A Breakdown Of What Those Pledges Looked Like:
Level
No.
% Pledgers Cum.%
$10,000-15,000
5
2.7
2.7
$5,000-$9,999
11
5.9
$2,500-$4,999
27
$2,000-$2,499
Amt.
% Total
Cum.
$57,500
15.6
15.6
8.6
$66,000
18.0
33.6
14.5
23.1
$90,460
24.6
58.2
25
13.4
36.6
$51,480
14.0
72.2
$1,000-$1,999
58
31.2
67.7
$74,005
20.1
92.3
$500-$999
33
17.7
85.5
$21,455
5.8
98.2
$1-$499
27
14.5
100
$6,771
1.8
Here Is How We Changed From The Previous Year:
New pledges
43
Increased pledge amounts
66
Same amounts
62
Decreases
15
5
100
We know
there are those
who consider
Grace their
spiritual home
but have not
yet felt called
to pledge. If
that is you,
know that we
continue to
welcome you
as part of our
community.
Know also that
those of us
who do pledge
will tell you
that doing so
has deepened
our feelings of
inclusion and
gratitude. We
invite you to
join us.
Stewardship 2007
Meeting the Challenge of 2007
To achieve our goal of $475,000 in pledges for 2007, two things need to happen. We need to increase the
number of pledges. And we need to increase the average pledge amount. Yes, it will be a challenge, but Grace
happens, again and again, and we are confident that through our practice of generosity, we will reach our
objectives.
GROWING
R
A
C
E
Draft Budget 2007
Here is a synopsis of our 2006 and 2007 budgets, which
will explain in a general sense where the money goes.
If you would like a full detail budget, please contact the
church office and it will be gladly provided.
Draft Budget
2006 Budget
$ 25,600
$ 192,020
$ 34,727
$
5,700
$
6,600
$
500
$
9,600
$ 48,650
$ 42,600
$
—
$
2,600
Draft 2007
Budget
$ 26,300
$ 256,597
$ 38,778
$ 7,300
$ 6,600
$
500
$ 9,700
$ 53,440
$ 47,212
$ 70,175
$ 2,600
Change From
2006 Budget
$
700
$ 64,577
$ 4,051
$ 1,600
—
—
$
100
$ 4,790
$ 4,612
$ 70,175
$
—
Office Administration
Salaries, Wages and Benefits
Outreach
Worship
Parish Life
Membership
Faith Development
Place For Grace
Diocesan Assesment
Debt Service
Property Taxes
Total Expenditures
$ 368,597
$ 519,202
$ 150,605
REASONS FOR INCREASES:
WAGES & SALARIES:
• Bring Clergy salary in line with Diocesan guidelines and performance for size of church.
• Increase office and music salary commensurate with time given.
• Expand Office Help.
• Hiring personnel for Faith Development in the second half of 2007.
OUTREACH:
• Gifting 10% of our prior year actual pledge receipts
PLACE FOR GRACE:
• Recognizing the fact that our heating oil costs are increasing
DIOCESAN ASSESMENT:
• We are obligated to give 18% of our “net disposable income” to the Diocese in support of their operation
ministries funded at the Diocesan level.
DEBT SERVICE:
6
Prior capital campaign funds have been expended
and now debt service becomes a Stewardship
part of our operating
2007
budget.
Grace Financial Literacy
Here is a short quiz that both poses some questions and provides
some rather surprising answers about Grace finances:
1.
a)
b)
c)
d)
2.
a)
b)
c)
d)
3.
a)
b)
c)
d)
4.
To raise money to build the present church home on Day Road East, Grace
undertook which of the following?
We had a capital campaign in 2001
We had a capital campaign in 2003
We asked members to buy bonds through the Diocese to finance construction
All of the above
As part of the cost of making a Place for Grace, we spent which of the
following amounts?
$0.4 million to purchase and improve the 10-acre site that is Grace’s campus
$0.4 million on architects, engineers, and permitting costs
$2.3 million to construct and furnish the building
All of the above
The total cost of the new Grace Episcopal Church building was $3.1 million, and
a portion of this was capitalized by borrowing which of the following amounts?
$163,000 of short-term debt from the Diocese
$272,000 of long-term debt from the Diocese
$300,000 of bonds in favor of 23 members and friends of Grace
All of the above
a)
b)
c)
d)
As of the beginning of 2006, Grace still owed over $500,000 to the Diocese and
the bondholders combined, with which of the following amounts of debt service due
in coming years?
$66,000 in 2006
$70,000 in 2007
$53,000 in 2008
All of the above
5.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Grace’s operating costs are considerable, as characterized by which of these amounts?
$174,000 in 2001
$197,000 in 2003
$317,000 in 2005
All of the above
7
Stewardship 2007
Let us be grateful to people who make us happy. . .
6.
a)
b)
c)
d)
7.
a)
b)
At times our
own light goes
out and is rekindled by a spark
from another
person. Each
of us has cause
to think with
deep gratitude
of those who
have lighted the
flame within us.
—Albert Schweitzer
c)
d)
8.
a)
b)
c)
d)
Which of these statements about Grace’s budget for 2006 is true?
53% (or $192,000) of our operating expenses
are for staff salaries, wages, and benefits
$30,000, or 10% of last year’s pledges, is committed to outreach
causes beyond the physical borders of Grace.
We pay an assessment of $43,000 to support
our Diocese
All of the above
Which of the following characterizes the source of Grace’s
budgeted income of $407,000 for 2006?
$373,000 in “pledges”, or promises made in late 2005 to contribute
during the coming year
$34,000 in anticipated loose offering (plate) and rental income for
the use of the building
No support from the Diocese, or “Mother Church”
All of the above
Even though Grace is a growing, vibrant faith community,
it faces funding challenges because of which of these factors?
Grace is a growing, vibrant faith community where staffing is
severely stretched to support program needs
Reserved capital set aside from prior fund-raising campaigns for
debt repayment will be used up by 2007.
Debt service obligations will burden operating
funding sources starting in 2007, displacing resources
that would otherwise be available for support of ministries.
All of the above
Answers to questions above: If you answered
“(d) All of the above” to all of the questions, you
are a candidate to be Grace’s next Finance Director.
8
Stewardship 2007
they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blos.som.
Marcel Proust
Our Invitation To You
To keep our dreams coming true, we need significant additional resources
this year. To reach that goal this year and in future years, we need
to begin thinking about stewardship not as simply a personal financial
decision, but as a spiritual practice. We want to practice generosity
ourselves, and to support one another in that practice.
Please join us in our efforts by prayerfully considering your pledge
– perhaps a portion of your income, such as 3 percent – and filling out
and returning your pledge card by December 3. If you would like to
discuss stewardship with any member of the committee, please call one
of us – we would be pleased to sit down with you and talk about it.
We Yearn To Make More Grace Happen.
Together, We Can!
The 2007 Grace Stewardship Committee:
Ted Cozine
John Waldo
Claudia Anderson
Chris Burkland
John Crane
Don Kragerud
Tom Ringo
Images of Grace from original photo by Art Grice. Art direction by Chris Burkland, brochure design by Susan Anderssony Chris
Burkland.
9
Stewardship 2007
service
inclusion
gratitude
Grace Happens
Grace Episcopal Church ‘ Bainbridge Island
206.842.99977 ‘ Gracehere.org
206.842.999
discovery
Ministry Plan 2008
An Invitation to partner with
WESTWOOD LUTHERAN CHURCH
What your 2007 general giving dollars have done:
• Called 2 new pastors to serve our greater
community in the areas of Young Adults and
Older Adults through SPARK.
• 306 Sunday School children hear about God’s
love for their lives!
• Regular budget dollars also support outreach
ministries: Synod Benevolence helps start new
congregations, provides disaster relief, and
supports mission work around the world.
• Regular giving supports the work of Luther
Seminary, Lutheran Social Services, and Isaiah.
• Our 8th grade Confirmation class alone has
grown by 15 students this year…neighborhood
kids, many of whom end up bringing their
families!
• Speakers for our Year of Bible and other Adult
Education events are made possible.
• Bible Study with Nick and up to 20 High School
kids every Thursday morning before school.
Want to HEAR and SEE what a
difference Westwood makes in the lives
of people? Take 7 minutes and watch
the video vignettes on the enclosed
DVD! You won’t want to miss this!
• Parish Nurse Dawne and Pastor Bruce bring
care and resources to hundreds of Seniors.
• Mini-camps serving over 100 community kids
and members during the course of the year.
• Five choirs, 2 bell groups, special ensembles,
enhance our weekly worship. The 70 members
of A Cappella Choir minister to all of us,
inspiring our worship, singing at funerals, and
will honor Ronnie Nelson’s ministry with the
concert on Nov. 11.
• Phones are answered, newsletters/bulletins are
produced, and the business end of ministry that
makes it all possible is supported.
• Newspaper ads, our cable TV ministry, and
special mailings help invite our community into
a life of faith.
• Our Young Adult Group has around 30 people
who meet regularly for study, support and good
times!
Ministries & Missions That Change Lives
What your 2nd Mile dollars have done!
• Redeemer’s after school ministry with
children and the Redeemer Center for Life
housing ministry has been strengthened.
Over $27,000 given. 17.5% of 2008 giving
• STEP has been enabled to provide food and
clothing to those in need in St. Louis Park.
$130,000 given. 25% of 2008 giving
• A ZOOM House family has been supported
through prayers, mentors, volunteer time
through their adopt-a-unit program.
$18,000 given. 7.5% of 2008 giving
• Arusha Road Church has been enabled to
support the educational development and
well-being of 60 AIDS orphans in Dodoma.
In addition your dollars have helped build the
sanctuary for a congregation that has grown
from 30 people in the late 70’s to 1200 in
2007 by helping purchase doors, windows,
tiles, and wood for new pews.
10% of 2008 2nd mile giving
• Heifer Project International - economic
development of the poor in the Dodoma region.
One village of 1000 people now has 33 families
with at least one cow and 2 with bulls.
Over $30,000 given. 10% of 2008 2nd mile
giving
• Operation Bootstrap - 3 buildings containing
6 classrooms have been built and equipped
at the Kiwanja Cha Ndege Primary School in
Dodoma.
10% of 2008 2nd mile giving.
• Dodoma Christian Medical Center - 3
containers filled with critical medical supplies
and food financed through Global Health
Ministries.
10% of 2008 2nd mile giving.
• Kids Against Hunger - 53 pallets of basic
food (386,000 meals) have been packaged at
Westwood in 3 packing events and sent to those
in need in Dodoma and elsewhere in Tanzania.
$32,000 given. 10% of 2008 2nd mile giving
An Invitation to Partner with Westwood’s
Mission and Ministry for 2008
Staffing for today while building a vision for the future. Last month we
received 45 new members into our family of faith…the largest group in several years. Most
were young adults and families with children from our community. They tell us that they
come to Westwood because of the opportunities we provide to serve in our community and
world, and because of the awesome ministries we offer children and youth. (Some of them
are featured on the enclosed DVD.)
As we look to 2008, we are taking the time to carefully determine what kind of staff will
meet both our needs, but also those who are still to be reached. These staffing decisions will
be made in part by a process we’ve just begun with Luther Seminary’s Youth & Family Dept.,
working with wonderful leaders like Rollie Martinson and others who have new research on
building vital congregations. We are going through this process together with our partners,
SPARK and Redeemer, to discern not only internal solutions, but also see how we might
approach ministry in new ways. Clearly, custodial and support staff are stretched with our
growing programs, and the needs of this infrastructure are being addressed as well. This is an
exciting and challenging process that will help us reach some decisions before summer. Your
elected leaders are working prayerfully and want to assure you that they are being the best
possible stewards of your dollars.
We remain committed to providing opportunities for spiritual growth for people of
all ages, at all places on the journey. We want our worship to continue to be a place of
inspiration and delight, offering best in music and preaching, in a space that lifts our spirits.
As Westwood thrives in so many ways, our need for committed financial partners grows as
well.
You are a partner in making Westwood achieve its mission and grow disciples. YOU are
needed and your gifts make a difference!
M O U N TA
IN
S
M
O
VE
through
Mission & Ministry
St. James Episcopal Church
wichita, Kansas
Dear Friends,
There is no true discipleship without generosity. Jesus is very
clear: in order to grow closer to God, one must give. We must give
of ourselves in many ways. We must give of our time, our abilities,
and we must give money.
The giving of money is a countercultural act. We are trained to
hold onto our assets as if our life depended on it. And yet, there is
enormous joy that can be found when we learn to give.
No matter how much money you make, no matter how poor or rich you think that
you are, you can give to God. Believe me when I say that giving money to God’s works in
the world will benefit your own life in ways that you can only imagine.
This booklet is designed to inspire you. We want you to be confident that giving to
St. James Church is a way to give to the ministry of God. We want you to get a taste of
the myriad of service, worship and study activities that come out of this place. We want
you to give to St. James with excitement and enthusiasm. We want you to feel certain
that your money goes towards the worship of God, the ministry to the poor, the teaching
of Christianity and the support and nurture of those who come through our doors. We
want you to celebrate St. James with us.
Jesus talked about money more than he talked about prayer. It is vital that all of us
learn to give away some of the bounty that God has given us. I pray that you will see
God’s hand at work in this place and see fit to give generously to St. James.
In Christ’s love,
The Rev. Kate Moorehead
Rector, St. James Church
revkmo@stjameswichita.org
2
I
S
M
M O U N TA
N
O
VE
through
Mission & Ministry
VISION & STRATEGIC GOALS
Ancient Worship
To experience Eucharistic worship in the Anglican
tradition that inspires, challenges, sustains, invites
and sends forth.
To experience non-Eucharistic forms of worship.
Open Minds
To offer traditional and cutting-edge Christian Education that encourages people to think for themselves,
and which inspires and supports discovery and continued renewal of discipleship.
Come Inside
To be a visible presence in Wichita that invites, welcomes, and provides a church home for all.
Make a Difference
To minister to the hurts and needs of the parish, the
people of Wichita, the Diocese and the world.
VESTRY STEWARDSHIP STATEMENT
We the Vestry of St. James Church,
Give thanks for the gifts of those
who walked before us.
We believe that our mission is to lead the Church
in Christ’s name by building for the future
on that foundation.
By our faith, and by means of the abundance of gifts
that God has given us, we prayerfully offer our time,
our talent, and especially our treasure.
ST. JAMES EPISCOPAL CHURCH
VESTRY 2006
Rector
Sr. Warden
Jr. Warden
Treasurer
Clerk
Deb Brinegar
Bill Moss
Michael Reno
Sarah Petty
Jay Sizemore
Lowell Wilder
Rick Wulf
Valerie Edwards
Monica Talbott
Peggy Zerger
Rev. Kate Moorehead
Beverly Calvert
Johnson Olanya
Keith Stevens
Tim Newlin
2007
2007
2007
2007
2008
2008
2008
2009
2009
2009
3
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Mission & Ministry
ANCIENT WORSHIP
Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and
truth, for they are the kind of worshipers the Father seeks. God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship
in spirit and in truth.”
John 4:23-24
2006 BUDGET
27%
$172,405
• Altar Guild
• The St. James Choir
• The St. James Choristers
• The St. James Musicians
• Lectors
• Chalice Ministers
• Acolytes
• Ushers
• Lay Eucharistic Ministers
• The All Souls Guild
• Children’s Chapel
• Celtic Service Ministry
“S
omething was missing.
I needed the liturgy of the Episcopal faith.”
4
Anonymous
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OPEN MINDS
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is
lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.
Philippians 4:8
2006 BUDGET
16%
$99,754
SPIRITUAL FORMATION FOR CHILDREN
• Childcare for Infants and Toddlers
• Catechesis of the Good Shepherd:
Atriums I & II
SPIRITUAL FORMATION FOR YOUTH
• The Tween Class
• The Rite 13 Class
• The Journey to Adulthood Class
• The Jacobites
• Diocesan Summer Camp
SPIRITUAL FORMATION FOR ADULTS
• Sunday Morning Forums
• Basic Anglicanism
• Journey of Soul
• Discipleship 101
• The Book Club
• Education for Ministry
• Bible Studies: Tuesdays, Thursdays,
and Fridays
• Spiritual Disciplines
“N
o one can move a mountain alone,
but if you allow God’s spirit to work in you,
anything is possible.”
– Louise Brinegar Wilson
5
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COME INSIDE
Show proper respect to everyone:
Love the brotherhood of believers, fear God,
honor the king.
1 Peter 2:17
2006 BUDGET
33%
$206,627
COMMITTEES
• Newcomers
• Building and Grounds
• Finance
• Arts and Memorials
• Hospitality
• Capital Campaign
• Columbarium
• Outreach
• Stewardship
• Vestry
• Christian Education
• Communications
PASTORAL CARE
• Lay Visitors
• The Grief Group
• Life after Divorce
• The Mothers Group
• Parents Group
• Footprints Cancer Support
• The All Souls Guild
• Hospital Visitation
• The Prayer List
• The Mailed Bulletins
• The 5:30 Healing Service
PARISH LIFE
• The Oyster Dinner
• The Olde English Tea
• Friends for Dinner
• Newcomer Receptions
• The Library
• St. Nicholas Bazaar
• Christmas Pageant
• Easter Egg Hunt
• Annual Meeting
• The Guild Players
FELLOWSHIP
• The Breakfast Cooks
• The Breakfast Club
“H
6
e arrived without money or a job.
He walked for miles to reach St. James Church,
where he found shelter, and his community in Christ.”
– From Mtr. Kate’s story on Johnson Olanya
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through
Mission & Ministry
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
As long as it is day, we must do the work of him who sent me.
Night is coming, when no one can work.
John 9:4
2006 BUDGET
24%
$152,158
OUTREACH MINISTRIES
• The After School Program
• Episcopal Social Services
• Youth Saturday Feeding Program
• The Deacon’s Basket
• United Thank Offering
EPISCOPAL
CHURCH SUPPORT
• Diocesan Ministries
• National Ministries
• Global Ministries
THE PRAYER ORDERS
• The Daughters of the King
• Junior Daughters of the King
• Wednesday Morning Men’s
Prayer Group
“T
orrential rains had reduced the roads to muddy ruts;
a front wheel of the wagon broke, and the horse was thrown.
But in time, bruised and mud-stained, I reached the church.”
– From the diary of Bishop Thomas Hubbard Vail
(1864 - 1889), First Bishop of Kansas
7
What we want to accomplish
next year…
Ancient Worship
Come Inside
Our chorister program has expanded to 25 choristers!
This means more music, more rehearsal time, robes, stipends
and more work! We now have a regular Sunday evening Celtic
service with a paid harpist and flutist; we would like to enlist
them for next year. We hope to improve the lighting in the
sanctuary and continue to employ our gifted soloists, Mr.
Cason and our two full-time priests to lead us in worship. Now
that we have expanded to five services each weekend, the cost
of bulletin production each week has climbed as well. We hope
to raise $15,000 over last year’s budget.
A full-time office administrator is desperately needed! We
would ask this person to manage the church office, to produce
the newsletter, bulletins, and the E-News, to handle the church
calendar and help with daily communication between staff
and parishioners. This person could upgrade and maintain
our websight so that sermons and updated information could
be accessed at all times. We could hire a full-time, qualified
person, with health benefits for a total package of $65,000.
Open Minds
We have created two new classrooms this year to house
all of our Sunday school classes! We dream of holding more
workshops, inviting speakers for adults, and running more
retreats. Our small group program is expanding fast and we
will need funding for more training for our small group leaders.
Our vision is to increase the budget by $5,000 this year.
8
Make a Difference
Our After School Program continues to grow. We want to
continue to support these children as well as to begin to make
efforts as a church to find one international focus for Outreach.
We envision our Outreach committee adopting a new project
in a foreign country. We would have the opportunity to fulfill
this dream with an additional $5,000 of funding.
THREE EASY STEPS
to Compute the Amount
of Your 2007 Pledge
1
2
3
Write down the amount of your 2007 income
It doesn’t matter whether you use before-tax or after; you decide. If you don’t know how much your 2007 income will
be, make a guess. Perhaps start with your 2006 income. Don’t worry too much about this number. If your circumstances
change, you can always adjust the amount of your pledge – up or down!
Pick a percentage
Are you new to the idea of proportional giving? Try using the national average of 2.6%. Or if you have been giving for
awhile, take last year’s percentage and try adding 1% to it. The biblical standard of 10% (the tithe) is referenced more
than 60 times in the bible and is taught as the standard to strive for in the Episcopal Church. A handy chart is provided
for your use on page 10.
Multiply
Multiply your income by the percentage you select. This is your pledge for 2007. If you want to pay in weekly installments, divide your total by 52, or if you wish to pay monthly, divide it by 12.
How do you feel about this number?
Is it in proportion to the importance of God in your life?
Is it in proportion to the importance of St. James in your life?
How is it in proportion to the other ways you spend money?
9
Percentage and Number of Payments
2.6%
ANNUAL INCOME
$20,000
$25,000
$30,000
$35,000
$40,000
$50,000
$60,000
$75,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
1
520
650
780
910
1,040
1,300
1,560
1,950
2,600
3,900
5,200
12
$43
$54
$65
$76
$87
$108
$130
$163
$217
$325
$433
52
$10
$13
$15
$18
$20
$25
$30
$38
$50
$75
$100
1
$1,000
$1,250
$1,500
$1,750
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,750
$,5000
$7,500
$10,000
12
$83
$104
$125
$146
$167
$208
$250
$313
$417
$625
$833
52
$19
$24
$29
$34
$38
$48
$58
$72
$96
$144
$192
1
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
$5,000
$6,000
$7,500
$10,000
$15,000
$20,000
12
$167
$208
$250
$292
$333
$417
$500
$625
$833
$1,250
$1,667
52
$38
$48
$58
$67
$77
$96
$115
$144
$192
$288
$385
ANNUAL INCOME
$20,000
$25,000
$30,000
$35,000
$40,000
$50,000
$60,000
$75,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
10%
ANNUAL INCOME
$20,000
$25,000
$30,000
$35,000
$40,000
$50,000
$60,000
$75,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
10
5%
M O U N TA
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T
his document is our invitation to do more. To meet this challenge – the opportunity – will take the participation of all of our members. It will take our prayers. It will
require the offering of our time and our talent, and it will require the sacrificial, joyful,
generous offerings of our money.
We ask you to pray regularly and frequently for the ministries of this parish.
We ask all of you to take advantage of the ministry opportunities that are offered,
and to give of your time and your abilities to see that they are all accomplished. Just
think what we could do if all of us, each and every single member of this parish, gave
just a bit more of our time and talent to support each of the ministries described in
this brochure. We believe we are called to expand and add new ministries and we
don’t want to do them without your commitment, support and participation.
We ask all of you to prayerfully consider your financial commitment. If all of us
give sacrificially and thankfully to support this work, if all of us make offerings to God
that truly represent our thanks to God for God’s love and generosity, just think of the
wonderful work of ministry we can do together!
AS GOD’S PEOPLE,
WE HAVE BEEN SENT TO SERVE…
LET’S DO IT!
11
M O V E M O U N TA I N S T H R O U G H M I S S I O N A N D M I N I S T RY
3750 East Douglas Avenue
wichita, Kansas 67208
Tel: 316.683.5686
•
Fax: 316.683.6532
•
w w w. s t j a m e s w i c h i t a . o r g
info@stja meswichita.or g
10-10-3-2
LT identifies 10% of
remaining households as
Recruiters to each recruit
3 Visitors to attend
training and visit 2
households
Prayer
Singing
Inductive Bible Study
Witness of the Facilitator
Model personal witness
and how to make a home
visit
Education & Training
Event Components
(common to all)
Unique Training
Components
Training Event
Meal Coordinator
Recruiting Formula
(Leadership Team
[LT] = first 10)
* = Essential Core
Group (others can be
paired with one of
these)
*Clergy
(Rector/
Vicar)
Visitors are recruited and
trained to make personal
visits in the homes of the
remaining members of
the congregation
Description
Leadership Team
Possibilities (common
to all five programs)
Faithful Member
Home Visitation
Program
*Follow-Up
Committee
Chair
10 - 10 - 2
Recruiters to each recruit 2
to attend training and be
Note Writer
*Loyalty
Sunday
Coordinator
10 - 10 - 2
Host or Discussion Leader
Mailings
Coordinator
Model / role play a
complete “typical” Cottage
Meeting
Model / role play
recruiting members to
attend and doing the
structured exercises
Time for preparation of the
invitations to pledge and
the thank you notes
Witness of Clergy
Refreshments (meal optional)
Invitation to Pledge at the Training
Instruction on the Mechanics (for doing the task you are asking of folks)
10-10-2
Host, Witness or
Discussion Leader
Report
Coordinator
Chaplain
Opportunity to engage
children in making the
covers for the neighborhood
packets
10 - 10 - 2
Area Recruiters to each
recruit 2 to attend training
and be Neighborhood
Coordinators
Celebration
Committee
Chair
*Data Base
Manager
The congregation is divided
into neighborhoods of 4 to 5
households, each with a
Coordinator. A pledge
packet that is assembled at a
training event is routed
around the neighborhood.
A select group writes their
stewardship witness to use
as letters and bulletin
inserts. Others gather to
write short personal notes
to the remaining
households in the
congregation.
All energies of the
congregation are focused
toward one major annual
event. Table Hosts are
trained and assigned
members whom they invite
to join their dinner table
group.
Each member of the
congregation is invited to
attend one of many small
group gatherings in the
homes of Hosts who have
been recruited and trained.
*Training
and
CP Chair
Home-to-Home
(Sequential Delivery)
Personal Notes
Festive Meal
Cottage Meetings
Five Popular Annual Financial Commitment Programs
APPENDIX 13
Telephone Appeal beginning with mailed information and pledge cards. Recruit and train the Callers, use a phone bank and make it a fun
time.
Cottage Meetings that look / feel like multiple Festive Meals.
Commitment (Loyalty) Sunday for the ingathering of pledge cards which were mailed. The Education Training Event focuses on addressing
the mailing which also includes special invitations that highlight the importance of attending worship on the designated Sunday. Thank you
notes are written at the same event.
Education Program with a “Thanks -- Giving” theme. A “Thanks -- Giving” Tree.
Cottage Meeting “pre-parties” with Bible study / reflection and then adjournment to the “big party” that follows: a Festive Meal with
multiple table themes (selected by the Hosts.) Participants bring food to fit the theme of their table. Decorate the fellowship hall, have music
and fun.
Personal Notes / Witness Letters packaged into a booklet.
^
^
^
^
^
^
345 S Hydraulic
Wichita, KS 67211
1-800-699-2669 (ext. 2) (USA & Canada) // 1-316-686-0470 (ext. 2) // (fax) 1-316-686-9102
E-mail: tom@tens.org Internet: http://tens.org
Where to get help
A Manual for Stewardship Development Programs in the Congregation and its companion workbook supplements -- The Personal Note Commitment
Program, The Festive Meal Commitment Program, The Faithful Member Home Visitation, The Cottage Meeting Commitment Program and The
Home-to-Home Commitment Program -- can be ordered from TENS. Order online at http://tens.org/pledge-program-links.htm
Resources
A Faithful Member Home Visitation program in which the visitors take a gift, such as fresh-baked bread, when they make their visit See
Terry Parsons’ article in June ‘96 edition of Networking.
^
Some Variations on Commitment Programs
New Consecration Sunday by Herb Miller from Abingdon Press New Consecration Sunday is based on a biblical/spiritual theology of the need of the giver to give for his or her own spiritual benefit rather than on the need of the church to receive. Directed toward raising the level of stewardship rather than toward raising the church budget, its no‐gimmick approach focuses on the question, "What is God calling me to do?" rather than on the question, "What does the church need in order to pay its bills?" Order online at: http://www.abingdonpress.com/forms/search.aspx?ddlsearchscope=title&txtsearchquery=Consecration%20Sunday Order online at: http://www.tens.org/stewardship‐and‐giving‐resource.html Additional Pledge Program Resources Are posted on the TENS website at http://www.tens.org/pledge‐program‐links.htm TENS (The Episcopal Network
for
APPENDIX 14
Stewardship)
Essential stewardship resources
january 2011
FROM TENS
 Membership. Join TENS to enjoy full access to current resources including our print newsletter,
Networking, published six times annually. Membership details online at:
http://tens.org/become-a-tens-member.htm
 TENS Resource Catalogue. Visit our online store and/or write or call for a catalogue of
resources. Email tens@tens.org
 Covenant Response and Obligation vs. Unencumbered Autonomy by Rev. Dr. Walter
Brueggemann Keynote presentation by the Rev. Dr. Walter Brueggemannat at TENS’ 2010
Conference. Individuals, study groups, adult church school classes and leadership groups will all
benefit from this spellbinding plenary presentation by the revered author of more than 58
books, hundreds of articles and sermons and numerous commentaries on Scripture. Order this
DVD online at: http://tens.org/walter-brueggemann-resources.htm
 2009 Best Practices Awards. The latest "idea book" of Best Practices you’ve been waiting for!
Included are fourteen outstanding examples of leadership, excellence, innovation and creativity.
Three winning programs were recognized at the 2009 Apostles in Stewardship awards luncheon
held at the 76th General Convention of The Episcopal Church. All submissions are included in
this CD resource to provide you with a full scope of exciting ideas for Stewardship education,
training, recruitment, and communication. Order online at: http://www.tens.org/2009-bestpractice-award-submission-resource.html
 The Lord’s Prayer video now available in both DVD and VHS format. Order online at:
http://www.tens.org/the-lords-prayer-resource.html
 The ‘S’ Word – Reflections on Stewardship With Practical Programme Suggestions by the Most
Rev. Douglas Hambidge. The Rt. Rev. Gregory H. Rickel notes “in this concise resource
Hambidge resurrects this whole topic [meaning of the word ‘Stewardship’] by giving you the
tools, the encouragement, and most of all, the inspiration to reclaim the word for all of its
richness and depth.” Order online at: http://www.tens.org/the-s-word-resource.html
 Share Your Story Cards. This deck of cards developed by the Diocese of Olympia provides
amazing opportunities for starting conversations to assist with growth in discipleship and
developing relationships. Order online at: http://www.tens.org/share-your-story-cardsresource.html
 Spirituality & Money: 7 Questions That Saved My Spiritual Life by Bruce Rockwell. Use this
booklet in leadership groups and even as a direct mail enclosure for assist with your formation
program. View the contents and order online at: http://www.tens.org/7-questions-resource.html
Essential Stewardship Resources from TENS
++ January 2011 ++
Page 1
 Pledge Programs from TENS:
o
o
Stewardship & Giving by the Rev. Kevin Martin. Order online at:
http://www.tens.org/stewardship-and-giving-resource.html
Festive Meal Commitment Program. Order online at: http://tens.org/the-festive-meal-
commitment-program-resource.html
o
Cottage Meeting Commitment Program. Order online at: http://www.tens.org/the-cottagemeeting-commitment-program-resource.html
Links to internet resources:
 TENS website: http://tens.org Don’t forget to sign up for the E-newsletter!
 Stewardship pages at The Episcopal Church website (E-newsletter sign-up available here too!):
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/109299_ENG_HTM.htm
 What does it mean to be a good steward? Video on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecnWuTXmsJc&feature=related
 Stewardship of Life. A seemingly endless database of useful material.
http://www.stewardshipoflife.org/?cat=&tag=&author=&s
 Luther Seminary Stewardship Pages – a treasure trove of resources. Be sure to sign up for the
electronic newsletter: http://www.luthersem.edu/stewardship/?m=164
 Generous Giving is a privately funded ministry that seeks to encourage givers of all income
levels—as well as pastors, church lay leaders and others—to experience the joy of giving and
embrace a lifestyle of generosity, according to God’s word and Christ’s example. Go to
www.generousgiving.org/resources where you will find useful biblical references. Be sure to
also click on the Research Library tab for more in-depth material.
 ELCA Stewardship Resources available at www.elca.org/stewardship are a valuable addition to
any parish or diocesan library.
 LearningtoGive < www.learningtogive.org > offers lesson plans, activities, and resources to
educate children and youth about the power of philanthropy (sharing time, talent and treasure).
Empower young people to make a difference in their school, their community and their world!
There are also valuable resources on environmental issues available.
other essentials:
 The Stewardship Study Bible – discover God’s design for life, the environment, finances,
generosity, and eternity.
 Revolution in Generosity – Transforming Stewards to be Rich Toward God. Wesley K. Willmer,
Editor. 2008 Moody Publishers.
Essential Stewardship Resources from TENS
++ January 2011 ++
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IDEAS FOR A YEAR-ROUND STEWARDSHIP PROGRAM
LATEST EDITED JANUARY 2011
APPENDIX 14
Reprinted by permission of Michael Reeves, president and CEO of United Methodist Foundation
of Louisiana, who encourages you to reproduce this list and distribute it widely. [Editing for
“Episcopal-eze” by Tom Gossen, Executive Director, TENS] (Categorized and resorted by
Maryellen Young, Commission on Stewardship/Planned Giving, Diocese of Olympia)
GRATITUDE
1. Say Thanks: You are competing with other philanthropic institutions which are saying thanks.
Challenge a sub-committee to come up with creative ideas to say thank you in your congregation.
Find at least seven ways to “thank you” in each annual program cycle.
LEADERSHIP
2. Stewardship Team: Form a creative group to rethink your approach to stewardship. The team
should be diverse in its makeup—young and old, male and female, long-time members and new
members, etc. Have them read selected books on the stewardship bibliography and share what
they found encouraging and possible for your situation.
3. Find A Stewardship Model: Find a congregation that has developed and is maintaining an
effective year-round stewardship program. Visit with the [priest or pastor], the staff member
responsible for the stewardship program if it is not the pastor, the team responsible for the
program, and other strategic lay persons in the congregation about what they are doing, how they
have developed their program, and where they are going with it. Request samples of materials,
and review them for ideas than can be transferred or revised for use in your congregations. The
BEST PRACTICES resources available from TENS is a good place to evaluate programs of other
congregations.
4. Train Congregational Leadership: Have everyone on the Finance Committee, [Vestry or
Bishop’s Committee], and other leaders read at least one book on stewardship and giving during
the course of each year of service.
5. Consider the Importance of Giving Among Leaders: If it is true that leaders can never lead
others beyond their own level of practice, then regular generous giving to the church might be
among the criteria set for nomination to positions of leadership in the church.
SHARING
6. List What Excites You: Begin a list of responses to the question: “What are you excited about
in our Church?” Start with your Stewardship Team, because they need to be the nucleus of
energy and excitement about what is going on in the congregation. Expand to include others,
such as the Administrative Board or Church Council. Then involve the whole congregation with a
strategically placed bulletin board where passersby can both see what others have said and
inscribe their own exciting thoughts.
7. Personal Stories of Support: Individuals and families often prayerfully discern God’s
direction and support in deciding how they use the financial resources God has provided them in
support of the ministries of the church. Solicit these stories and share them in worship services,
meetings, newsletters and other public forums. Stories from books and other resources can also
be helpful and inspirational, but the familiarity with a member of the congregation adds power to
the story.
January, 2011 version
Page 1 of 7
8. Photos Personalize: Help your congregation remember the events in which they have
participated or visualize other ministries or programs through photographs. They are easy to
arrange in displays. How about recognizing in a letter to the congregation that the youth program
occurs because of the giving of the congregation, and enclose a photo from a recent youth
event? Express appreciation for those regular gifts from the church family, and invite them to put
the picture on their refrigerator and to be in prayer for the youth leaders of the program for the
next month. Maybe the youth themselves will undertake this special expression of thanks.
9. Speak by Generations: Recognize the diversity of your congregation. A 20-year old has
different interests, responds to different challenges, seeks different opportunities, listens with a
different intent, and honors different values than a 65-year old. Leaders are moved by
challenges; followers are moved by assurances. Vary the stories you tell, the ways in which they
are told, and the storyteller. Experiment. Listen for feedback. Make mid-course corrections.
10. Conduct A Stewardship Survey: A Well planned, confidential survey of the members of
your congregation could provide helpful information about the congregation, such as
demographic data, attitudinal perspectives, levels of familiarity with various ministries, and
awareness of biblical and theological understandings of stewardship. A precisely crafted survey
instrument can be used to collect accurate information otherwise unavailable, such as average
income, age, and diverse attitudes associated with individuals in various income and age ranges.
It can also provide an opportunity to ask whether members have included the church in their
estate plans. Information retrieved from the survey can be helpful to leaders in their planning,
and summaries of the information can be interpreted to the congregation at large for their
feedback.
11. Home Visits: Organize visits in the homes of church members not to secure commitments
but to interpret the ministries of the congregation, to describe the importance of every gift, and to
thank members and friends for their investment in the work of the church of Jesus Christ. This
can be done very effectively at a time other than during the annual stewardship campaign.
12. Invite People to Write a Money Autobiography: Write the story of your personal pilgrimage
with regard to money. Include your earliest memories and both spoken and unspoken teachings
of your family of origin. What have been your experiences with wealth and abundance as well as
austerity and poverty? What differences have economic shifts made in your life? How have your
attitudes developed, changed, and influenced others? How did you learn about giving, and what
are your joys and fears about it? These are bits of history that impact us regularly, yet we seldom
assemble them into this type of story. Have others write their money autobiographies, share
them, and discuss them. Is the place where you are now where you want to be? How can you
grow in the next chapter(s) of your autobiography? Search TENS.org for “money autobiography”
for a useful resource on this subject.
MINISTRY
13. Collect and Share Ministry Stories: Articulate your vision. Illustrate, don’t simply explain.
Collect stories from diverse sources about the difference that giving in your congregation is
making both within the church and beyond. Get stories from your [diocese] (“How is [diocesan]
fund[ing] transforming lives?”) and [The Episcopal Church’s Commissions, Committees, Agencies
and Board’s (CCAB’s)]. Interview others who lead various congregational ministries, such as a
day care program, a youth program, or a senior ministries program, in order to learn stories of
how the ministries of the church are meeting the needs of others. These are not simply “facts and
figures” stories, but transformational stories. They describe how lives are being changed through
your gifts!
14. Minutes for Mission. At least once a month, have a two to three minute presentation in your
worship service about a ministry or outreach of your congregation where lives are being changed.
Page 2 of 7
By planning and scheduling these appropriately, the presentations may include descriptions of
how worshipers can assist with a project, make a special gift, or provide other assistance to make
a difference through their investment in the program.
15. Conduct A Spiritual Gifts Seminar: This experience can bring biblical terminology and
traditional concepts of Christian theology into a new relevance and applicability. Spiritual gifts are
divine gifts just as financial resources are divine gifts, and learning to manage these gifts is the
life-long challenge of deepening one’s understanding of discipleship and Christian living. The
personal discoveries in such a seminar could have value in assessing options for volunteer
services. For individuals with the spiritual gift of giving, pastoral guidance, counsel, and
encouragement are particularly appropriate.
16. Hold a Ministry or Mission Fair: Annually have every ministry represented with displays in
a single place to interpret their focus, service, and stories. This is a means of explaining and
interpreting the diverse involvements of members of the congregation, of enlisting additional
personnel, and of clearly demonstrating how the giving of the congregation is making a difference
in the world. This type of event works effectively when scheduled during the intensive phase of
an annual campaign just prior to Commitment (Ingathering) Sunday. This event also works well
at times of the year opposite the financial response program.
17. Conduct A Time and Talent Survey: Annually promote and carry out a broad-based survey
which allows members and friends to indicate ways in which they want to invest their time, talent
and energy in the coming months. Such a survey can best be conducted two to three months
following the annual campaign for financial stewardship.
18. Start A Christian Financial Counseling Ministry: Have a layperson in your congregation
begin a Christian financial counseling ministry to help individuals and families in trouble. As
families begin to get their finances in order, they will begin to give more faithfully and gratefully. If
your congregation alone cannot undertake this endeavor, develop it ecumenically with other
congregations.
19. Develop A Career Guidance Ministry: Develop a program with trained counselors who can
support and assist individuals in career transitions or who want to learn about other possible
career options. If such services cannot be provided directly through the programs of the church,
secure the assistance of referral personnel so that these services are available to individuals and
families particularly during intervals of crisis associated with job loss or career transition.
WORSHIP
20. Plan Thought and Heart Provoking Offering Times in Worship: Have someone read an
appropriate passage of scripture immediately prior to the offering, make a few personal
comments about why it is personally meaningful, and then pray for the morning giving. Involve
children in preparatory readings or prayers. Share a brief stewardship story. Enlist a team
whose sole responsibility it is to plan and implement a different experience of worship through
congregational offerings each Sunday. Consider periodic congregational movement, such as a
processional into the chancel for the presentation of individual and family gifts. Reclaim the
offertory as a high, celebrative point in the worship experience each week.
21. Would You Bring Us a Short Devotion? Leading a devotional period with a focus on
Christian stewardship and giving may catch a few people by surprise, but it is a unique
opportunity to move beyond clichés to clarion words calling for faithful response to Biblical
teachings. Short. Concise. Always timely. Powerful. Memorable.
22. Get Specific in Congregational Prayers of [the People]: Most congregational prayers of
[the people] are quite general. Even though they may be accurate, they seldom elicit a heartfelt,
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emotional response. Remember to include stewardship of time, talent, and money in the
corporate prayers of [the people] shared by your congregation. The value we place on time given
to us by God, our attitudes about the talents God gave to us, and our relationship with the
resource of money God provides for us are spiritual issues!
24. Pray. Develop the spiritual life of members and friends of the congregation in the process
and experience of giving. Invite stewardship leaders to pray for specific church members and
their growth in discipleship, including their giving. Regularly pray for the church and its
management of the resources that are given to it. Pray for new and expanding programs that are
the outcome of new giving and that are conveying the love to God into new missional fields.
EDUCATION
25. New Members: Stewardship education should be a requirement for all who seek
membership, either at the confirmation level or at the adult membership level. Be focused
on what you expect. Have an intentional strategy for assimilating new members, including the
provision of current information about the finances of the church. Encourage new members to
become regular givers from the very beginning, and explicitly explain how and why giving is a
significant contributor to growth in Christian discipleship. Research shows that typically after six
months only 17% of new members give.
26. Bulletin Inserts: Develop a series of monthly inserts in worship bulletins. Creatively use a
recurring preface such as, “Because of Your Gifts….” Then the various pieces can focus on
particular themes that pick up that introductory invitation, such as “…the hungry have food” or
“…the Gospel is being preached today in Ethiopia.”
27. Newsletters: Every issue of your congregational newsletter, whether it is published monthly,
semi-monthly, or weekly, can carry a ministry story, personal reflective story, and/or financial
update in story form. Share your stories about how the giving of members is making a difference.
Consider a separate periodic newsletter (perhaps quarterly) that solely addresses stewardship
issues in your congregation.
28. Make Stewardship Fun: Create an inviting, accessible kiosk or display where cartoons can
be displayed that focus on stewardship and giving, the reticence some members may have about
generosity, Christian stewardship, and financial challenges in the church.
29. Drama and Skits: Dramas are available and skits can be written which focus on human
fears and foibles around giving. TENS’ website www.tens.org identifies resources for
stewardship skits.
30. Bulletin Boards. Develop displays and provide information which can be taken from a
“people friendly” bulletin board located strategically in the church facility. Change the material
frequently. Make it visually appealing and diverse. Provide informational pieces that can be
taken by a reader for review at a later time.
31. Stress Growth in Giving: Growth in giving is a normal expectancy. In the church we
emphasize growth in discipleship. One of the fundamental expressions of that growth is through
our giving. Growth is not demonstrated necessarily in the giving of more dollars. Rather, growth
has to do with the impact of our giving in the living our Christian faith. Have we grown in our
willingness to trust God’s provision for us? Have we grown in our readiness to sacrifice in order
to make our offerings that are worth to God and not just convenient to us? Have we grown past
reluctance in giving and past just feeling good about our giving to the point where we are truly
joyful in our giving?
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32. Sermons and Sermon Illustrations: Sermons do not have to be “about stewardship” in
order to have reflective stewardship illustrations. Consider the stewardship ramifications of
scriptural texts that ordinarily are not interpreted as having a theme of stewardship. Laypersons
as well as pastors can effectively address stewardship issues in sermons. Use real-life
illustrations. “When you teach from the head, it goes to the head; when you teach from a life, it
goes to a life.”
33. Schedule an Outside Stewardship Speaker or Preacher: Bring in an experienced
stewardship speaker or preacher to your congregation. An outside speaker can clearly teach
God’s Word on Christian giving without fear or timidity.
34. Regularly Hold Planned Giving Seminars: Seminars on planned giving should be held at
least annually to assist individuals and families in the congregation to make critical decisions
about the management of their estates. Gifts through estates or other planned giving vehicles
are the ultimate expression of a life of faithfulness. Members of your congregation deserve
information and support in identifying which procedures might be most appropriate to their
situation.
35. Use Quotations: Provocative quotations from scripture, great literature and contemporary
writers and speakers may be effectively used in newsletters, bulletins, sermons, and other
vehicles of communication to stimulate thought and emotions around stewardship, giving, and
changing lives. A treasure trove of useful quotes is available online at the Generous Giving
website: http://library.generousgiving.org/page.asp?sec=28&page=
36. Sunday School Lessons on Stewardship: Include children, youth and adults in regular and
systematic teaching and learning about Christian stewardship which is biblically grounded and
consistent with your church’s heritage. Christian stewardship can be considered in single
sessions or multiple session series, and it can be considered in association with many other
educational topics such as discipleship, family life, and money management.
GIVING
37. Plan Your Designated Giving: Some congregations include all “specials” in “unified”
budget, so that the only special offerings are for endeavors such as recovery from catastrophic
events. Other congregations provide many opportunities for special, over-and-above gifts. Some
individuals and families who do not ordinarily support the church’s operations will respond to
these special, focused, designated giving opportunities. Usually these specials do not negatively
impact regular giving. If your congregation has them, announce them well in advance and
promote them generously. Soon afterward, report back to the entire congregation the response of
the church family to the endeavor and how those special gifts will impact and change people’s
lives.
38. Decide If You Are a “Tithing Congregation”: Decide if tithing will be the minimum standard
of giving to be taught in the congregation. If so, teach tithing. If not, teach proportional giving
with tithing as a minimum goal.
26. Provide A Money Back Guarantee. Have your church’s [Vestry or Bishop’s Committee]
approve a money back guarantee for first-time tithers. After a month-long stewardship preaching
series, ask regular givers to turn in a covenant agreement indicating that they will begin to tithe.
The church offers a full money back guarantee to anyone who tithes for 90 days and then regrets
the decision.
39. All Church Tithing Sunday: Challenge everyone in advance to bring a full ten percent of
their income as an offering on a designated Sunday. A second option is to have people write on
a card (without indicating their name) how much their tithe would be if they gave ten percent of
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their annual household income to the church. People will be amazed to discover that if they
faithfully gave ten percent of their income to the Lord’s work in their local church that they could
expand the church budget two to four times for missions, staff, new ministries and programs, and
regular operations.
40. Establish A Permanent Endowment: Every congregation has areas in which proceeds
earned by permanent funds can assist—such as building maintenance, specific program areas,
or specific missional thrusts or projects. When such funds are established appropriately, they will
not diminish contributions from the congregation to its regular operations, but they may stimulate
that giving.
41. Find Options for Designated Gifts: Maintain a current list of places where ministries could
be expanded, where services could be enhanced, where missions could be expanded, where
buildings could be improved, and so forth if additional (unbudgeted) funds were available.
Investigate the interests of persons or families that are not regular contributors to the church.
Challenge and invite them to support one of these special emphases. Immediately acknowledge
any support provided in this fashion.
42. Develop Your Capital Plans: If possible, plan three to five years ahead for physical needs,
such as additional educational space, a family life center, a new or additional parsonage, and
worship or fellowship space. With careful planning, the congregation may be engaged and
prepared to respond when it comes time to secure the funding to proceed with the endeavor.
43. Offering Envelopes: Provide envelopes to members and friends of the congregation to
encourage regularity of giving. Envelopes may also enhance accuracy of the recording of gifts.
Think big. Tiny envelopes are suitable for young children as they learn the discipline of regular
giving, but they are inappropriate for youth and adults.
44. Catch-up Envelopes: When records of giving are mailed to the congregation, whether on a
monthly or quarterly schedule, include a pre-addressed return envelope with the cover letter and
individualized record of giving. Although there is no request for giving in this mailing, an
opportunity to respond is welcome. Have special envelopes that say Special Giving Opportunity
Envelope prepared at a local print shop.
45. Transform Your Fund-Raising Events: Often, special events by a congregation, such as
dinners, bazaars, garage sales and talent shows, are fundamentally substitutes for the
congregation’s willingness to move up in personal and family giving as effective Christian
stewards. It is usually the reticence of the congregation in its giving that has become evident in
financial shortages that arouses the need for these fund-raising events. The success of these
events is often calculated (or perhaps miscalculated) by the amount of money raised.
Alternatively, interpret their success by criteria such as service to the community, the fellowship
that was shared, the mission that will be strengthened, or the value of the event in the life of the
congregation or community. Further, the next year, if financial profit is lower, the event is still a
total success in terms of ministry and its importance to ongoing or special ministries of the
church.
46. Tangible Gifts: Many needs in ministry can be met through gifts other than financial
contributions. Office equipment, materials for projects with children, building materials, and many
other objects are available through members and friends of the congregation. Alert your
congregation to these needs through a list that is constantly evolving. When the needs are met,
quickly acknowledge those gifts both to the contributor and to the congregation in terms of the
ministry which is strengthened through it. Be careful in describing the quality of the needed
equipment and supplies so that your congregation doesn’t become a dumping ground for things
that will not fit your purpose.
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FINANCE
47. Provide on-line giving through your web site.
48. Use Visuals to Interpret Congregational Finances: Pie charts, graphs, and similar visuals
can interpret facts and figures in inviting ways. They may be far more inviting than a weekly
newsletter report about the “amount needed each week,” amounted needed to date,” and
“over/under to date,” which seldom communicates a positive perspective on giving.
49. Fund Stewardship Education: Designate a significant amount of the congregation’s annual
operating budget (perhaps 3%) for Stewardship Education. With that resource you can purchase
and use fliers, join and gather stewardship resources through TENS (The Episcopal Network for
Stewardship), buy books and other resources to train congregational leaders, and subscribe to
services that interpret stewardship.
50. Send Crucial Letters:
A. January
Say Thank You for previous year
Forecast programs for the new year
Explain how your continuing support makes a difference
B. May
Send after Mother’s Day and before Memorial Day
Update on programs and financial support year-to-date
Forecast summer programs
Express the need for continuing support of summer ministries
C. December
Send the first week after last Sunday in November:
__ An eleventh month record of personal contributions
__ Forecast Advent activities
__ Encourage members and friends to end their annual contributions in a
manner acceptable to God
__ A reminder of ways to make year-end gifts of stock or other securities.
51. Enhance Records of Giving: Print biblical reasons why-to-give to the Lord on the bottom or
back of records of giving before they are mailed. Not only are you are reporting on the giving of
an individual or family, you are using the sheet as a teaching instrument. Another ideal enclosure
to include with Records of Giving are stories of just how financial gifts are providing ministry that
changes peoples lives.
52. Have A Brokerage Account: It is relatively easy for a church to open an account with a
stockbroker for the purpose of receiving gifts of stock. Gifts of appreciated stock are not only
valuable to the congregation, but also have significant positive tax advantage for the contributor.
Clear policy guidelines should be in place by the congregation regarding the processing, holding
or sale of each stock. Professional counsel regarding these transfers is essential.
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APPENDIX 14
The Official Stewardship Panic Kit
By The Rt. Rev. Dr. Greg Rickel & Tom Gossen
Introduction
When we recognize the importance of Stewardship as a year-round endeavor -- in fact, as a way
of life -- we also realize that most parishes, in our busy lives, have not reached that recognition.
Suddenly, when the cool fall breezes begin to blow, they awake and feel the dread of yet another
Stewardship campaign.
We believe that it does not have to be this way … but we know that, in more cases than not, it is.
Keeping that in mind, we offer our help through this Panic Kit. In it you will find short-term and
long-term strategies. As a part of these handout materials you will also find some instant
resources (such as pledge cards and letters that you are free to copy, alter, and use as you
please.) At the end of the kit you will find a suggested timeline for a Stewardship Committee’s
year. First, of course, is that the Stewardship Committee becomes a standing committee that
meets year-round, not simply a committee to collect money at the end of the year.
The most helpful tools to use are the materials on the different types of campaigns from TENS
(800-699-2669.) The materials are listed in the section on “Short-Term Resources.” Don ‘t forget
to contact the Program Officer for Stewardship at The Episcopal Church Center, The Rev. Laurel
Johnston 212-716-6219.
We begin with some quick “Do’s” and “Don’ts.” Here are the “Don’ts” first (so we can finish on a
high note!)
Don’t….
1. Don’t ask people to give to the budget. That seems to limit God’s grace. The budget should
be a celebration of God’s bounty, not a limitation. Think about the budget as following the
campaign. The main thing to remember here is: if in the past you have always trotted out the
budget and said, “Hey, let’s hit this,” instead try offering the people a way to give out of
thankfulness for all they have been given. Work hard. Trust God. And the budget will come
together.
2. Don’t do what you did last year. If you have done the Every Member Canvass, the Pony
Express, or the Big Event for as long as you can remember, is it any wonder that people think
Stewardship campaigns are boring, and something to be endured rather than enjoyed? Even
if something worked last year better than ever, do something different. You can always come
back to something from the past. If you need ideas we have them, and you will find some in
the short-term bibliography attached.
3. Don’t have your entire focus on the fall “Beg-A-Thon.” If the only time your parish hears
about Stewardship is when you talk about money at the annual “Beg-A-Thon,” then is it any
wonder that they turn and run at the mention of the word? Stewardship is our way of life as
people of faith and especially as Christians. Talk about it often, year-round.
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4. Don’t utilize guilt and manipulation. Trust God more than that. Tell people the story of our
faith and ask them to think of all for which they are thankful. Do a well-thought out and
structured program with real appeals, and then let the Spirit move. Don’t “should” on people.
5. Don’t expect all people to be in the same place spiritually regarding money -- this is a
process, not an event. The worst thing that could happen is to expect people to be where
they “should” be, or even to resent them because they do not seem to be where they “should”
on the whole issue of Stewardship. What you can do as a parish community and as a
Stewardship Committee is create an environment where conversion is possible. The rest is
up to the Spirit.
6. Don’t succumb to the scarcity mentality which is running rampant in the Church. Examples
are donation cups at coffee pots and certain restroom equipment. (The latter was one I
learned about when a consultant came to the parish where I was Vicar and pointed out “those
toilet paper rollers that only give you one sheet every pull!” When confronted with that, we
pulled the pins on the equipment so that you can have as much toilet paper as you want!)
Scarcity mentality is also represented by phrases such as “We can’t do that because we don’t
have the money,” and “We don’t have enough: people, money, resources, etc., etc.” The
truth is -- and it is a hard truth to swallow -- we choose most of the situations we are in.
When you honestly think about it, there is more than enough out there in any of our parishes
to do what we want. But we all make choices…
7. Don’t appeal to the needs of the church as much as you appeal to the need for persons to
give. Appealing to the needs of the church may work short-term, but it will not convert people
to the true reason for giving. The reality is doing a bit of both, with the latter being the place
where you will see long-term change and increased giving.
8. Don’t only speak of Stewardship as being about money. It is far more than that. Enough
said.
9. Don’t confuse people in discussing capital campaign and operational campaign. Both of
these are necessary, but be very clear with them. In most cases the operational campaign is
the first priority with the capital campaign being above and beyond it. Be up front about that.
10. Don’t get locked into maintenance thinking. We are about mission, which is bold and
aspiring. Only maintaining will lead to death; mission will lead to life and growth.
Do….
Do begin every Stewardship meeting with Bible study and prayer. Why wouldn’t you? The
committees we have started say that the Bible study and prayer time is worth coming to if nothing
else. It is a must as a foundation for Stewardship work.
1. Do remember that Stewardship is year-round and, most importantly, a way of life.
2. Do begin year-round education and talk about money, time, talent, and resources.
3. Do name what you are doing and what you are dreaming about. Name all of the ministries,
activities, outreach efforts that are being done from your parish community. Make a case for
thankfulness and abundance in the life of your parish.
4. Do dream big! Dream dreams people will find unbelievable, dreams most people can’t
imagine.
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5. Do preach, teach and live abundance mentality. Abundance is seeing, believing, and saying
that we have all we need to do everything God is calling us to do. Our faith calls us to rebuke
scarcity at every turn. (See “Don’t” #6.)
6. Do use a consultant from outside your congregation whenever possible, and use them early
(see timetable.) Consultants are objective and can give you insights that can help your
congregation move beyond what has always been. Such persons are likely to be available in
your diocese or nearby. Call your diocesan office or call me.
7. Do talk about giving as a response to the gifts we have been given, as motivated by
thanksgiving rather than guilt. One way for people to begin to work on this is to calculate
what percentage of their income they give to the church. Many people have never done this.
It might be too scary! Enclosed you will find a copy of “THREE EASY STEPS to Compute the
Amount of Your 20__ Pledge” a useful guide to help people begin to think about proportional
giving.
8. Do advocate that the “firstness” of a gift is more important than the “tenthness.” The first
fruits, as Scripture tells us, are the most important part of the gift. We give the first, the very
best, of what we have been given, not what is left over. When we think back in history to
when we were an agrarian society, we realize that the gifts were produce and animals, and
what was given was the best of these, the first, not what was left over.
9. Do tell your own story regarding money, talk about the struggle with Stewardship and with
proportional giving, and have others tell their stories, too. We much more afraid to talk about
money than sex. And yet an American Express Financial Advisors study revealed that 66%
of Americans spend more time thinking about money than they do about sex, health or
relationships. In fact, we spend roughly 80% of our time earning, spending, and thinking
about money. How could something so prevalent not have an impact on our spirituality?
Where can I get some help??
A list of resources follows. They are divided into short-term and long-term categories. If your
main concern now is to get a campaign in full swing, we suggest spending your time and money
on short-term resources. However, after that we strongly encourage you to explore the long-term
resources.
Short Term Resources
A Manual for Stewardship Development Programs in the Congregation edited by Thomas R.
Gossen. This publication along with the five companion volumes is listed immediately below.
Much of what the Stewardship Office at the Episcopal Church Center developed has been
compiled in these books. All are very practical “nuts and bolts” manuals which include ideas and
timelines. They contain suggested outlines for training programs which are designed to gather
together representatives of no fewer than 25% of the households in the parish. Provide them for
your Stewardship Committee chairperson and Vestry members. To order visit TENS’ website at
http://tens.org/pledge-program-links.htm
The Festive Meal Commitment Program by Thomas R. Gossen and Lonnie Schrieber
The Personal Note Commitment Program by Thomas R. Gossen and Lonnie Schrieber
The Cottage Meeting Commitment Program by Thomas R. Gossen and Bruce A. Rockwell.
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The Home to Home Delivery Commitment Program by Thomas R. Gossen and Bruce A.
Rockwell.
The Faithful Member Home Visitation Commitment Program by Thomas R. Gossen and
Bruce A. Rockwell.
Stewardship and Giving: How to Increase the Financial Support of Your Congregation by
the Very Rev. Kevin E. Martin. “Insanity can best be described as doing the same thing over and
over and expecting different results.” Kevin Martin’s creative booklet begins with this statement
that leads us into a different way of thinking about the annual pledge drive. Stewardship and
Giving is not a resource for delving into the theology of stewardship. It is, however, an effective
resource for understanding the response of individuals in your congregation in the past, grouping
similar sets of responses, and structuring the appropriate approach to each group. The process
avoids the fundamental mistake made by the majority of congregations: treating all potential
donors the same. We are taught not to begin by asking, “What is the standard?” but rather, “What
do the present giving patterns of our members tell us about their commitment to the Church and
their reasons for giving?” Then we follow up by asking, “What can leaders in the church do to
increase this commitment?” Use this valuable resource – with its detailed instructions, examples
of timelines, letters, pledge cards and more – to map your plan for nurturing greater levels of
commitment. To order online go to: http://www.tens.org/stewardship-and-giving-resource.html
TENS - The Episcopal Network for Stewardship is an organization that will be of great help.
Led by Mr. Tom Gossen, a long-time Stewardship Consultant, this group offers newsletters,
consulting and great seminars, plus a variety of videos and other written resources that can be
the catalyst for discussion within your parish. For more information visit http://tens.org or contact
TENS at 345 S. Hydraulic, Wichita, Kansas, 67211, 800-699-2669 or e-mail tens@tens.org
Stewardship Office of The Episcopal Church, 815 Second Avenue, New York, NY 100174594. Visit http://www.episcopalchurch.org/109299_ENG_HTM.htm or telephone 212-7166219. Laurel Johnston is the leader of this office and a great resource herself. Email Laurel at
ljohnston@episcopalchurch.org
ELCA Stewardship Program Resources are a valuable addition to any parish or diocesan
library. Visit their website at: http://www.elca.org/Growing-In-Faith/Discipleship/Stewardship.aspx
Generous People by Eugene Grimm, Abingdom Press, part of the “Effective Church Series.” A
Lutheran resource and quite good.
Long Term Resources
Alternatives for Simpler Living regularly sends out a catalogue of resources that are quite
good. For Advent/Christmas use they have developed Whose Birthday is it Anyway? and
Unplugging the Christmas Machine (with Leader’s Guide) which makes an excellent adult
Christian education program. I used this last year during Advent, and it has been requested
again for this fall! Contact them at P.O. Box 2857, Sioux City, Iowa 51106, 800-821-6153.
Behind the Stained Glass Windows by Sylvia and John Ronsvalle. Describes the result of a
multi-year, cross-denominational study of giving in the Church. An excellent resource that will
help you not to feel alone in what you see is happening in the culture and in your parish.
Excellent book.
A Dresser of Sycamore Trees by Garrett Keizer. I put this book on the list simply because it is
excellent -- one of the best I have ever read and, in my mind, a real story of how Stewardship and
Evangelism are a way of life. It is about an Episcopal priest who also works as a high school
English teacher in a small rural Vermont town. If you like this one, you will also like Keizer’s other
January 2011
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book, No Place but Here, also about his life in that town but with more emphasis on his work as a
teacher. It too is masterful.
Family Financial Workbook by Larry Burkett (Crown Ministries.) This is very much what it
sounds like, and it is quite useful for working with groups of people who want to get control of
their finances. Search for “Family Financial Workbook” at www.crown.org
Freedom of Simplicity by Richard Foster (Harper-Collins.) An excellent book, the “bible” for
those in Stewardship and the simplicity movement. I give my Stewardship committee chapter 7
to read and then ask them to read the rest of the book.
God the Economist: The Doctrine of God and Political Economy by M. Douglas Meeks. Very
theological look at the idea of God as economist. Meeks makes a very interesting argument in an
attempt to reclaim this part of God in our understanding of God.
Grateful and Generous Hearts by The Rev. Dr. John H. Westerhoff (Church Publishing.) This is
the third in Westerhoff’s series from the St. Luke’s Pastoral Institute and I think it is quite good. It
is the shortest book on this list and yet one of the most compact in terms of material. I highly
recommend it for Stewardship committees, Vestries and anyone else who wants to know more
about Stewardship.
Faith and Money Network equips people to transform their relationship with money, to live with
integrity and intentionality, and to participate in creating a more equitable world. They have an
excellent newsletter in electronic format (you can get on their mailing list) and they also present
excellent workshops across the country. You can reach them at 1640 Columbia Rd. NW
Washington, DC 20009. Telephone: 202.469.8512
Website: http://www.faithandmoneynetwork.org/
On the Pilgrim's Way: Christian Stewardship and the Tithe by John Brackett (Church
Publishing.) An excellent book: if I could have only one suggestion, this would be the one right
now. Brackett does a great job with this book which would give your team a lot to think about.
When Corporations Rule the World by David C. Korten. An excellent book that has especially
made it into academic circles the past several years. Korten, who was part of the Reagan
administration, has had a complete conversion on the issue of the disparity in wealth in the world
and how corporations are leading this movement. His title is exactly his point: there has been a
slow movement by corporations over the last 75 years to rule the world. It is in this volume that
you will find the statistic that Michael Jordan makes more money from Nike in one month than all
the Indonesians that make the shoes earn in a year.
Reclaiming the Great Commission by The Rt. Rev. Claude Payne, Bishop of Texas. Great
book on abundance thinking and congregational development.
Your Money or Your Life by Joe Dominguez and Vicki Robin (Penguin Books.) Very practical
and a great source for revealing to yourself and others how consumerism is a persuasive
infection of our way of life. It has profound implications for how we can image ourselves and the
people sitting in our pews. The thrust of the book is how to invest wisely, live simply, and retire
now (!) so that you can go and do something voluntary with your life.
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Final Thoughts
An outline for a pledge program using mailings and personal witnesses is included with this
handout. This is an absolute minimum, last-minute, panic program. There is no training program
included; it is therefore NOT something to be use more than once, and only in an absolute
emergency.
Year-Round Timetable
January
Reflect and evaluate last year’s Stewardship education program and
pledge campaign and talk about next year’s campaign. Recruit new
members for the Stewardship committee and say good-bye to committee
members going off. Get on the calendar of consultants for the upcoming
year. Plan bulletin inserts and newsletter pieces for the year ahead.
February
Spend time on time and talent. Assess ministries in the parish.
Begin to firm up training plans and select the pledge program you want
to do.
March-April
Have a ministry fair in the congregation. Celebrate the ministries and the
time that the congregation puts into the life of the community and gives
to each other in a big way each year.
May-June
Take a break (if the previous month’s activities are complete)
July-August
Take a break
September
Plan for and present a workshop for those working in pledge drive.
October
Kick-off for annual pledge drive
November
Wrap up annual pledge drive.
December
Take a break
This calendar is just an example. Of course there can be much more. Reading a book together
and discussing it at each committee meeting is a worthwhile exercise. Don’t forget to also do
Bible Study and prayer each time you gather.
Get creative! Make stewardship fun! Make it something that is celebrated all year long.
January 2011
Page 6 of 6
APPENDIX 14
Outline of a Pledge Program
Using Mailings and Witnesses
Compiled by Tom Gossen, Executive Director of TENS
General Principles to Follow With Mailings:
Individualize all letters.
Each letter should include an inside address to the addressee and an individualized greeting.
Doing this requires your database to be current with all parties to be addressed included. The
greeting should be the one you use when you greet them in person.
Personalize the letters from the Rector to the top 10% of givers.
While the Rector’s letter may be computer-generated and mail merged, the letters to the top 10%
of givers in the parish should be personalized in some manner. Acknowledge their generosity
and thank them for the very special ways in which their contributions to the parish make a
difference.
Include a P.S. at the bottom of the letter.
Research tells us that recipients tend to read a letter in the following sequence: the inside
address, the greeting, the signature (who signed it,) and then the P.S. They read those parts
before returning to read the first sentence of the first paragraph. So include a P.S. Then, to all
the folks with whom you have a personal relationship, add a handwritten P.S.S.
Schedule the mailings to arrive on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday.
I don’t know why this works, but mass-marketers tell us that recipients tend to handle and read
mail received on these days of the week differently from mail they receive on Monday, Friday or
Saturday.
Custom design your stationery using your annual theme.
Letters should be mailed in oversized envelopes so that they will attract attention and look
different from any other mailings from the church office. I recommend using either an A8-sized
envelope (7¾” x 5¾” -- I believe this is the size of most wedding invitations) or 9" x 6" envelopes
(the largest size permitted for basic first class postage that does not weigh more than one ounce.)
Size the letterhead paper you create so that it fits with the envelope you have selected.
Postage.
We used to say “don’t use metered and/or bulk mail postage.” But, since fear level in the culture
has risen due to various anthrax attacks, metered mailings have actually become more trusted
than those with individual first class stamps. So, metered and/or bulk mailing is OK, just be
aware that bulk mail doesn’t always get delivered as timely as you might like.
Witnesses should be invited to tell their stories based on: (1) what they believe; (2) what
they do in response to what they believe; and (3) what difference it makes in their lives.
And they should be asked to include an invitation for others to join them in their journey.
A witness can be offered in either verbal or written form. A good thing about written form is that
the pieces can be shorter for use as a bulletin insert (do include a picture.) Written stories can be
collected for publication in other ways as well. Recruit enough witnesses to create a series of
bulletin inserts and perhaps articles in your parish newsletter during the 4 - 6 weeks prior to
“Pledge Sunday.”
Pledge Program Using Mailings and Witnesses ♦ January, 2011
Page 1 of 2
Include Six (6) mailings, minimum.
Mailing #1– from the Chairperson of the pledge program.
The main purpose of this letter is to offer an introduction to the pledge program so that the
congregation knows what to expect in the upcoming weeks and what dates are important. If you
have persons in your congregation who are usually traveling during the time when you will be
distributing pledge cards and asking for their return, include information for them so that they
know whom they should contact in order to receive their pledge card before it is mailed or
otherwise distributed.
Mailing #2 – from the Rector.
This letter is the “theological piece” – that is, it unpacks the theology behind the annual theme. It
includes the Rector’s personal witness and the Rector’s invitation to parishioners to join the
journey.
Mailings #3 and #4 – witness letters from selected members of the congregation.
Recruit parishioners who are held in high regard and have a high level of commitment to the
mission of the parish. In making your selections, remember who you are trying to reach. Find
representatives of those particular age groups/demographic segments of the congregation.
Mailing #5 – a communication piece that includes the response instrument (pledge card).
This mailing might include a short letter from the committee Chairperson recapping some of the
highlights of the various messages (letters, bulletin inserts, sermons, newsletter articles, etc.)
from the 4 - 6 week period immediately preceding this mailing. Include a reminder of the date of
the ingathering and consecration of pledges and perhaps a brochure proclaiming the
congregation’s “Vision of Ministry” or “Vision of Mission.” Insert the pledge card with a return
envelope. If such items have been distributed at some type of festive meal event, there will be
some variations in the mailing. For example, only those who did not attend the event will receive
the entire package; those who did attend, but who have not yet returned their pledge cards, will
receive a different kind of letter and another pledge card.
Mailing #5a – follow-up.
After the formal ingathering and consecration of the pledges, follow up on persons who have not
yet responded. The tenor of the message should be “We’ve not yet heard from you, and we want
you to have every opportunity to participate fully in the ministry of
(parish) .”
Mailing #6 – the thank you.
In an ideal world, everyone who pledges would receive a thank-you letter signed by the Rector
and the Chairperson of the committee. Such a letter would not only say “Thank you for your
support of the ministries of
,” but also would confirm the amount and terms of the pledge and
invite correction if there has been any mistake in recording that information. Those who
constitute the top 10% (+/-) of pledging units in the parish should have a letter that is
personalized by the Rector in a way that relates to the passions of the donor.
Mailing #7 -- ***NEW OPPORTUNITY***
To all persons who have not responded to the invitation to pledge for an entire 12-month period,
send a letter inviting them to pledge for three months. Three months later, invite them to consider
whether the spiritual practice of regular offerings for God’s work in the world through the ministry
of (parish)
has been helpful in strengthening their sense of relationship with God, and invite
them to continue the practice.
Pledge Program Using Mailings and Witnesses ♦ January, 2011
Page 2 of 2
APPENDIX 14
THREE EASY STEPS
to Compute the Amount of Your 20___ Pledge
1
2
Write down the amount of your expected 20__ income.
It doesn’t matter whether you use before-tax or after, you decide. If you
don’t know how much your 20__ income will be, make a guess. Perhaps
start with your current year’s income. Don’t worry too much about this
number. If your circumstances change, you can always adjust the amount
of your pledge – up or down!
3
Multiply
Multiply your income by the percentage you select. This is your pledge for
20__. If you want to pay in weekly installments, divide your total by 52, or
if you wish to pay monthly, divide by 12.
Pick a percentage
Are you new to the idea of proportional giving? Try using the national
average of 2.6%. Or if you have been giving for awhile, take last year’s
percentage and try adding 1% to it. The biblical standard of 10% (the
tithe) is referenced more than 60 times in the bible and is taught as the
minimum standard to strive for in the Episcopal Church. A handy chart is
provided for your use on (the next page).
How do you feel about this number?
Is it in proportion to the importance of God in
your life?
Is it in proportion to the importance of St.
__________ in your life?
How is it in proportion to the other ways you
spend money?
Percentage and Number of Payments
2.6%
Annual Income
$20,000
$25,000
$30,000
$35,000
$40,000
$50,000
$60,000
$75,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
1
$520
$650
$780
$910
$1,040
$1,300
$1,560
$1,950
$2,600
$3,900
$5,200
12
$43
$54
$65
$76
$87
$108
$130
$163
$217
$325
$433
52
$10
$13
$15
$18
$20
$25
$30
$38
$50
$75
$100
5.0%
Annual Income
$20,000
$25,000
$30,000
$35,000
$40,000
$50,000
$60,000
$75,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
1
$1,000
$1,250
$1,500
$1,750
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,750
$5,000
$7,500
$10,000
12
$83
$104
$125
$146
$167
$208
$250
$313
$417
$625
$833
52
$19
$24
$29
$34
$38
$48
$58
$72
$96
$144
$192
10.0%
Annual Income
$20,000
$25,000
$30,000
$35,000
$40,000
$50,000
$60,000
$75,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
1
$2,000
$2,500
$3,000
$3,500
$4,000
$5,000
$6,000
$7,500
$10,000
$15,000
$20,000
12
$167
$208
$250
$292
$333
$417
$500
$625
$833
$1,250
$1,667
52
$38
$48
$58
$67
$77
$96
$115
$144
$192
$288
$385

Year Round Stewardship and Annual Commitment.

Transcription

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