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TIME + TALENT + TREASURE Christian Stewardship Is The grateful and responsible use of God's gifts in the light of God's purpose as revealed in Jesus Christ. Christian stewards, empowered by the Holy Spirit, commit themselves to conscious, purposeful decisions. What I do, with all that I have, after I say, "I believe." Using the gifts God has given us, to do the work God is calling us to do. Prayerful use of our time, our talent and our treasure. The Fall Stewardship Initiative is geared toward helping us think about sharing our "treasure." We ask you to give prayerful thought to increasing your pledge this year. WE NEED YOUR PLEDGE OF SUPPORT What is a pledge? A pledge is a good faith commitment, usually paid in regular installments throughout the year-weekly, monthly, quarterly, or even annually-you choose. How do I make a pledge? You may fill out a pledge card and bring it to church on Sunday and place it in the offering plate or you can mail your pledge to the Church Office. Why should I pledge? Your pledge is vitally important in planning for the ministries of this mission. Without promises of support, we would have difficulty in preparing a realistic budget for the coming year. WHAT DOES MY OFFERING SUPPORT? SPIRITUAL GROWTH The spiritual growth of parishioners is an ongoing and significant activity and one of which we should never lose sight. As we examine the spiritual growth of the congregation, we have many reasons for gratitude. Lives are transformed. People have found God. Much is done that inspires others so that they might continue the growth process for others, as well as for themselves. WORSHIP The worship of God is at the heart of all we do at St. Matthew's. We reach deeply into our Anglican tradition, building on it to explore new ways to give glory to God in our prayers and preaching and music. EDUCATION Christian education is available for all ages. OUTREACH MINISTRY St. Matthew’s outreach includes Habitat for Humanity of Saline County, the Saline County Chaplaincy Association, Community of Hope, Safe Haven, Oaxaca Street Children - Grass Roots, the Animal Orphanage of Saline County, Churches Joint Council of Human Needs and Community Care Center. Ministry of space – several community groups use our fellowship hall for meetings, including Boy Scouts, Habitat for Humanity of Saline County, and Al-Anon. BUILDING AND GROUNDS Our church and vicarage properties must be maintained. There is also expense for Utilities Insurance Repairs Upkeep Supplies
The Vestry and New Fellowship Hall Committee are developing priorities for capitol improvements needed for church growth. STAFF We are blessed by the careful guidance of our vicar, The Rev. Lorrie Slaymaker. A professional staff is needed to carry out the pastoral, musical, administrative support, and maintenance functions of our ministry and programs. WHERE DOES OUR MONEY COME FROM? OUR 2008 BUDGET The 2008 budget for running our church is just over $125,000, and all of this amount, less a small grant from the Diocese, comes from current members. Pledges and plate collection pay for the vicar and vicarage our fair share of running the Diocese insurance heat, light and essential maintenance postage and office supplies our music program (staff and equipment) office and custodial staff building and grounds maintenance
HOW SHOULD I THINK ABOUT MY GIVING? Tithes, Tips and Membership Dues
There are at least three common perspectives when it comes to church pledges: The first perspective is payment of dues. Just like Rotary, Lions Club or the Monday Afternoon Club, one pays a membership fee for the privilege of belonging. The challenge is that we are already members. Payment does not make us members. God's love does.
The second perspective is tipping.
Just as we reward servers at a restaurant for good services performed, we also bless God for all God so faithfully and lovingly does for us. The challenge is that at a restaurant we pay 10-20% of the check, depending upon generosity and quality of service. Would we give God less? The third perspective is based on God and the biblical teaching of a tithe.
The first two stem from our response to what we receive from God. The third is focused on God and our desire to honor God out of a heart of love and devotion. Perhaps, you might ask, "Since God has given so much, how might I respond?"
Proportional Giving
St. Paul, a builder of churches and unashamed of spelling out the practicalities of giving wrote: "On every Lord's Day, each of you should put aside some amount of money in relationship to what you have earned and save it for the offering." (I Cor. 16:2) Some givers select a percentage of their income and base their giving on it. It doesn't have to be 10% - though that's the only percentage mentioned in the Bible. Average Protestant church pledging in the U.S. is about 2 - 3 % of income. Many have started there and found that the good habit not only helps the church but also helps their own personal financial stewardship. They further report that once committed to a percentage, they work each year on increasing the percentage.
Although you may not know exactly what your income will be this next year, you can make a pledge based on a reasonable estimate of your annual income and then add to it if things work out better. The beauty of proportional giving is its essential fairness. We give in proportion to what we have. Without some forecast of our income, we cannot make a responsible church budget. We need you to pledge.
Increased Giving
Our Stewardship Steering Committee asked all members, if possible, to increase their pledges this year in an effort to reverse our negative budget predictions. A consequence of not being able to meet our budget would mean the loss of the Rev. Lorrie.
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Stewardship 
