Stewardship
Shining Our Light
Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:16)
Stewardship is the act of attending to God’s gifts in order to do God’s work. God’s gifts encompass much, from the blessings of creation to the talents we possess, and the financial resources we have at our disposal. Each year, the church conducts a campaign wherein we invite parishioners to reflect on how their monetary gifts might make a difference.
During the past year, St. Michael’s has been resilient, guided by God’s grace as a beacon to illuminate our future. In addition to continued separation as a community of faith, we grappled with issues in our world, our nation, and our neighborhoods. We also addressed significant emergency repairs to our building and the rectory. St. Michael’s was fortunate in being able to draw on our endowment and take out a loan, and has been blessed with generous donations by many. However, we now need to begin replenishing the endowment, and paying back the loan without reducing our mission commitments requires an increase to annual income.
Your contribution is essential to attaining that increase, and we’d ask you to consider making a pledge towards next year’s budget. Any amount helps, even something that may feel small. With $9 more a month from each household, we could raise an additional $12,000, allowing us to cover our loan payments. Your pledge provides the support needed to ensure St. Michael’s can continue to respond to the many ways in which the world needs our voice. Our campaign will conclude on November 14, and we hope you will have had the opportunity to prayerfully reflect on and submit a pledge, enabling the Vestry to plan for St. Michael’s missions in 2022.
We understand in these ongoing uncertain times, this can be a difficult commitment to make. Please prayerfully reflect on what you can offer. Reach for God and let your light shine before others.
2022 Stewardship FAQs
What is a stewardship pledge? A pledge is a financial commitment to donate a specific amount of money to St. Michael’s in 2022.
Why are stewardship pledges needed? Pledges allow church leadership to estimate next year’s income and make informed decisions while building the Mission Spend Plan (budget). Last year, pledges comprised 96.7% of St. Michael’s routine operating expenses. Leadership won’t make assumptions about your continued giving, so we ask you to submit a new pledge every year.
How much should I pledge? The traditional guideline in The Episcopal Church is the tithe, a pledge of one-tenth of your household income. That said, for many the tithe is a goal to work toward through incremental pledge increases. What’s most important is to establish, through prayer, a level of giving that is meaningful to you.
What are we striving for next year? We know this year has presented financial challenges for many and simply ask you to give what you can. Ultimately, we hope to simply keep pace with inflation, which is currently 5.3%. The table below illustrates that increase given specific pledge amounts:
What if my financial circumstances change? You can revise your pledge. We certainly understand that life is full of the unexpected. Please just inform the rector or a member of the Stewardship Committee so we can plan accordingly.
When and how should I turn in my pledges? Please turn in your pledge on or before November 14th. If you’re not ready to make a decision by then, your pledge is still welcome later. Given this year’s circumstances, use whatever means you’re most comfortable with to turn in your pledge, whether by mail, dropped into the south porch mail slot or outdoor worship collection box, an emailed picture, or an emailed note.
When and how are pledge payments made
You may make payments at any time throughout 2022, periodically or in one lump sum, through the collection plate, scheduled bank payments, or online. If submitting cash via the collection plate, please use one of the envelopes in the pews or a pledge envelope (which you can request via the pledge card) so we may give you credit for the amount. Please note that non-cash donations do not apply to pledge fulfilment.
How else can I give?
Stock transfers can be made in cooperation with The Diocese of Virginia. Contact the Parish Office for more details. We also participate in the Amazon Smile program, where a percent of your eligible purchases made using our charity link goes to the church.
