Fall 2009 — Every Member Canvas

It’s autumn, which means the St. Stephen’s Every Member Canvas  is in full swing.  The pledges will be used to determine the budget for 2010.  200 letters went out to members in October, and the November 21-22 services will include an opportunity for our members to bring their pledge cards to the altar as a dedication to God and St. Stephen’s.

After the Sunday 10:15 service, we will have a Harvest Celebration in the parish hall.  The main dish, ham, will be supplied by the church and members are asked to bring potluck items.  Further information is available in the service bulletin or by calling 448-2255.

STEWARDSHIP

Stewardship describes how we manage and use the bounteous gifts that God has given us in service of the Gospel and for the sake of the world. St. Stephen’s, in its individual members and as a community, has been richly blessed with many gifts.

Christian Stewardship
In order to aid in our planning, each member of St. Stephen’s is invited to make a pledge of a regular contribution to the church for the year. For many people, making a pledge is an opportunity to reflect on our stewardship, of the good and proper use of our financial gifts, and to offer thanks for the abundant blessings God has given us.

It is therefore expected that every Christian will wish to give a significant portion of his or her time, talent, and funds to God’s work through God’s Church.  Such giving is a  sacramental act, a real self-offering to the Body of Christ, and a significant element in our corporate eucharistic worship each Sunday.

Participation in the Life of the Church
We also expect that all members will participate actively in the life of the parish, by giving their time and their talents to support the ministries of the church.  Each person possess unique gifts, and as we share our gifts with each other in ministry, we build up the church and affirm the importance of our life together in God.  Our offerings of time and talent are, therefore, an essential part of the Christian life and of our place as members of Christ’s Body, as well as a natural outgrowth of our love for God and for one another.

Our time can be dedicated to committee and guild work, music ministry, Christian education, parish calling, or serving in a variety of ways.  Our special talents are needed to support our programs and events, maintain the beauty of our church building and grounds, provide pastoral help and support, and support the general operations of the church.  When invested, our talents reap returns manyfold.

Our Stewardship Program
The Stewardship team educates parish members about the task of being Christian stewards, including their uses of time, talent and treasure. The team coordinates the annual pledge campaign beginning in September of each year and running through November, to educate and invite people to support the ministry of St. Stephen’s financially.

On a regular basis, we also work to identify parish members’ talents and interests for various ministries, programs, and activities in the church. We then use this information to provide opportunities for service in the Church and the world.

Contact
For more information on our stewardship program, please contact the church office at (509) 448-2255, or e-mail at office@ststephens-spokane.com. They will help you to get in touch with the Stewardship chair, Rodger Lake, 624-2210 or by email @ jakil@q.com.