— Mother Teresa
According to Webster, stewardship can be defined as “The conducting, supervising, or managing of something; especially: the careful and responsible management of something entrusted to one’s care.”
At Saint Mark’s, that “something entrusted to one’s care” includes much that is both tangible and intangible. On the spiritual front, it means serving God as you are able through the myriad of ministries and volunteer opportunities available to parishioners. On the financial front, it includes the funding of Saint Mark’s day-to-day operations, all of which are funded by member giving.
All members are encouraged to make an annual pledge each fall for the following calendar year. Members may also make non-pledged gifts, but pledging is especially encouraged as it makes for more accurate budgeting and financial planning for the months ahead.
Saint Mark’s clergy and lay leaders are grateful to members for their financial support of God’s work in our local community and the world.
Stewardship Q & A
What is a pledge?
A pledge is a commitment to give a certain amount of money each year to help Saint Mark’s grow in ministry and mission. The annual pledge is rooted in scripture and in Jesus’ call for us to share the material blessings we have been given. Your pledge tells us, “I am a part of this community, and I want to show that this church and its goals are important to me.”
Why is it important that I pledge?
Saint Mark’s Vestry prepares a budget for the coming church year in the fall. The majority of our revenue comes by way of member pledges. Pledges enable the Vestry to project income and set budget priorities. Total pledge amounts dictate the degree to which ministries and outreach can be expanded or scaled back, as the case may be.
Is a pledge required to be a member of Saint Mark’s
No, but we do hope that all who consider themselves active members of the parish will pledge as they are able for the reasons outlined above.
How much should I give?
In giving back to God, we can never hope to match all that we have already been given. Be that as it may, we encourage you to reflect on what Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church means to you in your life. Some parishioners tithe (give 10% of their income) annually and do so joyfully and with great passion. We encourage you to make your pledge in a proportional amount and set a goal to increase it next year.
Planned Giving
Planned Giving is a way to leave a legacy and support the mission and ministry of Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church beyond your lifetime. There are many ways to remember Saint Mark’s in your estate planning which include the following:
- Name Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church as the beneficiary of a bequest.
- Create a planned gift (for example, a gift annuity or charitable trust) that can provide lifetime income and ultimately becomes a gift to Saint Mark’s.
- Contribute real estate, securities or other personal property.
- Name Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church as the owner or beneficiary of a fully paid life insurance policy.
For more information about Planned Giving, contact the Episcopal Church Foundation or visit their website.