Deepening Our Commitment

With the privilege of membership comes the responsibility of Stewardship
Each year we ask every member of St. Stephen’s Church to prayerfully consider how much of their time, talent and financial resources they wish to commit to the work of God through the ministries of the parish.  Our prayer is that each one will give cheerfully in Thanksgiving for God’s many gifts to us.  This year’s Abundance theme of “Deepening our Commitment” calls us not only to become more active in the parish, but to deepen our financial commitment to the church as well.

Investing in the future of your community
St. Stephen’s is a self-supporting, non-profit organization that raises all of its funds through the generosity of its members and friends. When you make a decision to commit your time, talent & financial resources to St. Stephen’s, you are not just supporting a place to worship on Sunday. You are investing in the future of your faith community.  Your increased support this year will allow us to maintain our programs and staffing at the current level.  In addition to all of our parish programs, your support also allows us to offer the following programs to the community at large:

• Music
• Preschool
• Youth Groups
• Adult Education
• Boy Scout Meetings
• AA & FA Meetings
• Assistance to Seniors 

The Pledge: Making The First Step
Each fall, we ask each member to tell us about their financial pledge by completing a pledge card. It is important that we know about your pledge before the new budget year so we can more accurately plan for our upcoming ministry and programs. Your pledge is an expression of your intention: it is not a contract. It can be changed, raised or lowered, whenever your financial or life situation changes.

How do I decide how much?
We ask you to think about your financial support of St. Stephen’s in terms of proportions.  To simplify this, we suggest that you pick a percentage of your income and pledge it. The “tithe”- which simply means “tenth” or 10% - is the only number mentioned in the Bible. We ask you to think and give proportionally, leaving the actual percentage to your prayerful, personal decision. The chart below shows average giving percentages compared to household income.  Once you’ve arrived at a reasonable percentage of your income to give, we hope you can set a goal of growing that figure over the years as you feel your commitment deepening at St. Stephen’s. 

Growth and Goals for 2010 

Our pledge goal for 2010 is 300 pledges averaging $2,500 per pledge. Any increase in funds raised will be specifically targeted for campus improvements/ deferred maintenance, additional outreach to the needy and additional youth and adult spiritual formation programs.

Together we can achieve this goal!
2008 had 280 pledges averaging $2414 per pledge. ($676,000 total)
2009 had 300 pledges averaging $2213 per pledge. ($664,000 total)

Where does the money come from to fund the parish?
The St. Stephen’s operating budget for 2009 was $825,843.
90% Comes from annual pledges of our members
5% Comes from open plate offerings, Easter and Christmas offerings
5% Comes in the form of outreach donations, space use donations and miscellaneous donations 

Where does the money go?
60% Staff: Clergy, Music Minister, Children’s Minister, Parish Administrator, Sexton (custodian), Youth Minister and Choir Section Leaders
17% Diocesan assessment
12% Care of buildings and grounds
6% Office expenses
5% Education for children, youth and adult programs, childcare and worship expenses

Outreach Giving
In excess of $100,000 is contributed to outreach outside the St. Stephen’s operating budget, through Caring is Sharing, Oktoberfest Fundraiser, Angel Project, Shelter Inc., Warm Nights Shelter, ERD (Episcopal Relief & Development) and giving to our Seminary and National Church.

 Resolution on Stewardship adopted by the Vestry
As members of the Vestry or other parish committees, we are among the leaders of the congregation. In this role, we have the responsibility & privilege of directly influencing the various programs the church offers. We therefore agree not only to participate in the annual pledge campaign, but to set a personal goal of growing our pledge over time. Continued growth is expected from individuals not yet achieving the Modern (5%) or Biblical (10%) tithe.