Stewardship

“The point is this: the one who sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and the one who sows bountifully will also reap bountifully.” – 2 Corinthians 9:6

St. Columba’s is bountifully blessed by God, from the beauty of its surroundings to the strong community it has built. We believe in sharing those blessings: sharing the abundance of spirit that is present whenever we gather in worship or fellowship; sharing the talents God has given each of us to make the world a better place; and sharing our financial resources to sustain our parish and to help others in our community and beyond.

“I have tried to keep things in my hands but lost them all, but what I have given unto God’s hands, I still possess.” – Martin Luther

Every member of St. Columba’s can provide valuable support to the parish, through prayer, time, and talent. Stewardship is another vital part of the church’s continued health, however, and parishioners need to be aware that St. Columba’s depends on their financial contributions for everything from heating bills to the rector’s salary to outreach work.

Financial support comes in different forms, and according to various circumstances. The most common is the annual pledge, which is made by most parishioners. The pledge is a gift of record that communicates membership at St. Columba’s. Each year, the church asks its members to commit to a certain sum, large or small, that will be given over the next 12 months. While the pledge is not binding (some may find they can give more; others may not be able to give as much as they had hoped), it helps the leadership of the parish create and adhere to a sound but ambitious budget.

There are numerous other opportunities to contribute to specific ministries, beyond the pledge. The rector’s discretionary fund helps people in need; outreach does wonderful work in the community and beyond (care packages to soldiers in Iraq, aid for Hurricane Katrina rebuilding, and contributions to local charities leap to mind); the buildings and grounds can always use improvement. Last year, for instance, a member of the parish funded an electrical renovation of the chapel in the name of her late husband. The electric bills are now lower, the lighting is brighter, and Bill Yale is remembered by all those who find their hymnals a little easier to read.

Recently, St. Columba’s has been trying to make its members aware of yet another way to strengthen the chapel’s future: planned or deferred giving. Few people realize that they can leave money to their church in ways that will guarantee a lifetime income, protect them from uncertain financial markets, or reduce the tax burden on their heirs. Such options aren’t available only for the wealthy.

To learn more about various forms of planned giving, including charitable remainder trusts, pooled income funds, and retained life estates, download the bequests pdf. John Finn, stewardship-committee member for planned giving, can also walk interested parishioners through the different possibilities. John can be reached at 848-4579 or John.Finn@lpl.com.

How and how much you choose to contribute to St. Columba’s is up to you. Your support, though, is essential. If you have not done so, please fill out a pledge card today.

Where your Stewardship dollars go. We know you will find this information interesting and helpful as you consider your pledge for 2008 and beyond.

Vestry Member for Stewardship: Scott Nicholson. Scott.nicholson@cox.net, or 849-1843

To see more photos click here.