A Word about Giving from the Rector

​

​

Stewardship Season and Pledging

Each year, we ask everyone in the parish to make a financial commitment to support Good Shepherd in the coming year. Pledging is a long-standing tradition across the Episcopal Church, and it enables the Vestry to plan responsibly for our operations and ministries.

Church finances can seem like an enigma, so here are a few items that may help demystify how it all works together:

• Good Shepherd relies entirely on our own resources — pledges, donations, and savings — to fund our ministries and operations.

• We give back to the wider Church through our diocesan assessment, supporting the ministry of our Bishop and Diocese, and through Outreach disbursements.

• Pledging typically represents 80% of our annual budget, and we hope to grow that to 90%.

• Gifts come in all sizes, from $100 to $30,000, and are equally valued.

• Some people give monthly, others quarterly, and some fulfill their pledge all at once.

• Giving can be done by cash, check, stock transfer, charitable fund disbursement, or through our online giving portal.

As your Rector, I would never ask you to do what I am not willing to do myself. Alison and I pledge each year as generously as we can, using the tithe — giving 10% — as our guiding principle.

 

The Spiritual Practice of Stewardship

I believe stewardship is a spiritual practice, like prayer or worship — a way of saying thank you to God for all that we have been given. It is not merely about paying bills or balancing a budget; it is about participating in the life of Christ here and now, together.

Our giving changes lives — not only the lives of those we serve, but our own hearts as well. It roots us in gratitude, deepens our trust in God, and reminds us that everything we have is gift. 

 

Increase over Time

Commit to increasing your giving over time. In recent years it has been important to help the parish address inflation and rising costs. But it is also a path toward remarkable generosity. In my experience, most "substantial" pledges began years before at more modest levels, by people committed to increase over the course of a lifetime.

 

Other Ways We Ask You to Give

Hospitality: Each family is asked to host Coffee Hour once during the school year. It’s an easy and joyful way to meet new people and extend our welcome.

The Hearts and Hands Auction: Our annual auction takes place in the fall each year. It’s a wonderful evening of fellowship and fun, featuring both silent and live auction items — dinners, sports tickets, and creative parish offerings. Even if you come just to share in the laughter and the wine, your presence supports our community.

Serving in Ministry: Our common life depends on the gifts of many people. Consider ushering, reading, leading prayers, setting the altar, assisting with livestreaming, or serving on a committee such as Outreach or Christian Education. Bring your passions to Good Shepherd — many of our most beloved ministries began simply because someone cared deeply enough to start them.

 

Come to Church

At its heart, stewardship is not just about money — it is about presence. The greatest connections in faith happen when people show up, pray together, and share life in Christ. In our modern world, where so much pulls us away, worshiping together may be one of the most counter-cultural — and most faithful — things we can do.

 

You Are Loved and Welcome Here

Our life together begins with Christ’s invitation to the table. It is Jesus who calls us, knows us, and welcomes us — by name and with love. Your presence, your prayers, and your gifts are all part of our response to that invitation. Good Shepherd’s welcome has never depended solely on what people give financially, and it never will.

Thank you for your generosity, your faith, and your willingness to be part of this community. I am deeply grateful for all that we have accomplished and for what still lies ahead. With faith and love, I am confident we will reach our goal — and more importantly, continue to grow in grace together.

 

Peace,
Jay+
The Rev’d Dr. James Weldon, Jr.

​

​