STEWARDSHIP
Stewardship is caring for the needs of others. Stewardship is offering one’s self to God as He offered Himself to us. Stewardship is what a person does after saying “I believe…” as proof of that belief.
Orthodox Christian Stewardship is a way of life, which acknowledges accountability, reverence, and responsibility before God. A primary goal of Stewardship is to promote spiritual growth and strengthen faith. Becoming a Steward begins when we believe in God, to whom we give our love, loyalty and trust and act on those beliefs. As Stewards, we affirm that every aspect of our lives comes as a gift from Him. Stewardship calls on the faithful to cheerfully offer back to God a portion of the gifts with which they have been blessed.
Christian stewardship is learning how to be a responsible and concerned caretaker of Christ’s Church; it is learning how to enjoy Church life and be happy in Church work, for in Her dwells the fullness of the Spirit of God. It is also our active commitment to use all our time, talent and treasure for the benefit of humankind in grateful acknowledgement of Christ’s redeeming love. Our care for the needs of others, offering one’s self to God as He offered Himself to us, what a person does after saying “I believe…” as proof of that belief, are all examples of true Christian Stewardship. Finally, Christian Stewardship is a devotion and service to God and His Church as persons, as families, as diocese/metropolis, as national church and as Church universal.
An Orthodox Christian Steward is an active participant in the life of the Church. The parish encourages all who accept the Orthodox Faith to become practicing Stewards. Each year the Steward is expected to carefully review his or her personal circumstances and make a commitment of time, talent, and treasure to support the Parish and her Ministries, which in turn support the National Ministries of our Archdiocese, Metropolises, and institutions.
Some frequently asked questions about stewardship:
How do I become a member of the parish?
Membership in the Orthodox Church begins at baptism (Chrismation for some) and continues throughout our life. We are united with Christ through the sacraments, or mysteries, of the Church and through our faithful offering of our entire selves to Jesus Christ. Our Archdiocese requires each parish to distinguish between voting members and non-voting members. A voting member is over 18 years of age and turns in a signed stewardship commitment card, committing a portion of time, talent and treasure to the Church. The Archdiocese also requires the voting member to remain current through the year on their commitments. Keep in mind that true membership in the Body of Christ involves living according to His word and within His Church.
Why must I commit to give a specific amount?
Please keep in mind that your stewardship of money is kept in the strictest of confidence. However, we do compile the amounts anticipated to better plan our budget.
What if I cannot fulfill my stewardship commitment?
During the course of a year, people’s circumstances change. Your stewardship is valued because it is made out of your love for God and His Church. Please do not be concerned if you are unable to meet your stewardship commitment – we are glad you are a part of this parish. Just please call to let us know.
For additional information about stewardship please call the Church Office.
In order to maintain an accurate parishioner database and knowing that an individual’s financial situation may change from year to year, we ask that you submit a new stewardship form every calendar year.
