Stewardship at St. George's

Stewardship 2010

Direct this holy endeavor at every stage and disturb us if we fail to dream large enough or hold low expectations of what you might do for us and through us.

Letter from the Rector

Dear Friends,

In some of the most beloved verses from Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount, our Lord urges his followers not to “worry” about what they will eat or what they will wear but rather to “seek first the Kingdom of God and his righteousness.” Far from being a call to passivity or indifference to worldly necessities, these verses are a call to “put first things first.” When we put God’s love and will above all other earthly concerns, we may be blessed to discover that these concerns find their relative place in the larger reality of God’s Kingdom. When that occurs, we find deeper trust not only in divine grace but in the “enoughness” of God’s provision.

In differing ways and to varying degrees, each of us has been affected by the economic recession over the past year. How could so many of us not be anxious and worried? But I also believe these are opportune times once again to remember to “put first things first.” That is precisely the essence of our theme for St. George’s Stewardship campaign this fall 2009. Our focus will be to live more deeply into the very first part of our parish purpose statement: “To receive, live and share the abundant life of Jesus Christ.” What is it first to receive the abundant life of Jesus Christ and how might the answer shape our financial giving to the parish in this coming year?

In pondering these questions, I return to the essential characteristic of a life filled with the love of Christ: gratitude. Those who know what it is to receive the life of Jesus are people who cannot help being profoundly thankful. And Christian gratitude is more than a cheery disposition; it is that hallmark of the Christian that informs all else that we do. As Thomas Merton once wrote: “Gratitude… is more than a mental exercise, more than a formula of words. …To be grateful is to recognize the Love of God in everything He has given us – and He has given us everything. …Gratitude therefore takes nothing for granted, is never unresponsive, is constantly awakening to new wonder and to praise of the goodness of God” (Thoughts in Solitude).

I believe Merton is profoundly wise to point out that Christian gratitude “is never unresponsive.” Yes, the first thing that defines who we are as Christians is what we have received from God: Christ’s love and entrance into the Kingdom. While all else may pale in comparison, that is not to say all else is unimportant. Indeed, Jesus would have us realize that what we do with the rest of our lives speaks deeply and directly to our response to his first gift of Himself.

In the midst of ongoing economic uncertainty, I can think of no better tangible way you might be responsive to this “first thing” of Christ than through your financial pledge to the ministries of St. George’s for the upcoming year 2010. Despite a reduced budget this past year accompanied by some sacrificial cuts to programming and staff, our parish and ministries continue to grow. I am asking you to pray and then to make a pledge that you believe adequately represents your gratitude for God’s blessings in your life, spiritual and material. On one level sacrificial financial giving to the local parish is simply a mature discipline flowing out of church membership. It is of great practical necessity. But most importantly, what we give to the church speaks to our gratitude for all that God has given us.

I thank you in advance for your generous support of St. George’s and all you mean to our life and vitality.

Yours gratefully in Christ,

Faithfully yours,

The Rev. R. Leigh Spruill

From the 2010 Stewardship Committee

Stewardship FAQs

  • 3,300 Members
  • 97 Confirmands
  • 690 Average Sunday Attendance
  • 20 Weekly studies offered
  • 170 Alpha Course attendees
  • 340 Kindergarten enrollment
  • 160 Children in VBS
  • $275,000 Outreach Funds (10% tithe of pledged gifts)
  • 37 Agencies Funded

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT. Your support through pledged dollars impacts the lives of others at St. George’s and in the world. We are growing, yes, but so is the number of people who need our help.

WHY SHOULD I PLEDGE INSTEAD OF GIVE PLATE OFFERINGS? Yearly operating budgets are based on total pledged gifts, not on plate offerings or special gifts to the church.

WHAT HAPPENED LAST YEAR? The budgeted revenues decreased by $300,000 last year due to the exceedingly difficult economy that impacted us all. This decrease was managed through controlled spending, staff cuts and a reduction in Outreach funding. We’ve also benefitted from unexpected monetary gifts and in-kind gifts, such as the bus.

WHEN DO I PLEDGE? Pledge Sunday is October 25th. You can return pledge cards to church, pledge on line or call the church at 385-2150.

HOW MUCH DO I PLEDGE? If you are able to give more this year, please consider those who cannot. Some people tithe and others give of their time. If you have not pledged in the past, please consider starting this year. Our increased goal of $3,000,000 will allow St. George’s to better fulfill its mission to help the growing number of people in need, both in our congregation and the greater community.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PLEDGE SUNDAY AND CELEBRATION SUNDAY? All pledges submitted by Pledge Sunday are brought before the altar to be blessed on Celebration Sunday, November 15th.

GIVING AND CHURCH LEADERSHIP. Given the pressing needs of the Church, the Clergy, Vestry, Financial Officer, and Stewardship Chairs have already made their pledges for this coming year with a significant increase in pledge amounts This unanimous, early support by the Church Leadership is based on the simple principal that we will not ask you to give if we have not led the way.