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Stewardship
What is Stewardship?
An ancient concept, a steward is a person who is responsible for someone else’s property, finances or affairs. The church loves this word and uses it in two ways:
- To remind us that everything we have — our property, our work and health, our families and indeed, our lives — is a gift from God. In this use, we are called to take special care of the world and ourselves, because we are responsible to the God who created everything that is.
- To encourage us to dedicate a portion of our talent and resources to support the work and life of the church. In this second capacity, we invite parishioners to consider what proportion of their time, talent and financial resources they will offer back to God in thanksgiving for all they have been given. St. Columba’s has no source of income beyond the pledges and contributions of its people. There is no endowment. The parish’s day-to-day life and ministry is completely dependent on the gifts of its people.
Fast facts about Stewardship at St. Columba’s:
- Each fall, we ask you to consider a financial pledge for the upcoming year so we can make plans and allocate resources responsibly.
- To make a pledge at other times of the year, pick up information and a pledge card at the Welcome/Information Table in the Common or contact Director of Stewardship and Development Pru Lake.
- We encourage you to think of your pledge in proportion to your income. Statistics show the average pledge to churches is 2.6 percent of income; the biblical standard is 10 percent. You pick the percentage that’s right for you.
- Personal checks are the most common form of pledge payment, but pledges can also be paid in cash (providing an offering envelope is used) and by automatic payment from your bank. To make gift of appreciated securities, contact Pru Lake.
- Once you pledge, you will receive an acknowledgement letter, periodic letters updating the status of your pledge and a year-end tax statement summarizing all of your giving to St. Coumba’s. Offering envelopes are provided if requested.
Contact: Pru Lake
