Stewardship

 

What is Stewardship? Stewardship is how we serve our church using our time, our talent and our treasure.

Time: When we take time out of our already packed schedule to serve the church.  At St. John we have members who volunteer their time to take care of our church home in many ways.  Altar Guild prepares the sanctuary for worship, members shop for supplies and plant flowers and garden, and council and committee members attend meetings.

Talent:  When we match something we’re good at with something that the church needs.  Members with training in finances act as Treasurer and keep our books.  Those with good organizational skills plan events for us.  Our history is kept by members who are good photographers.  We are blessed with people who can teach, lead, sing, cook and so much more.

Treasure:  When we provide financial support to the church.  The Bible teaches us to tithe – give 10% – of all that we earn or receive.  Below is an illustration of percentages and giving based on $30,000 annual salary:

Percentage Annually Monthly

Weekly

10%

$3,000

$250

$57.69

9%

$2,700

$225

$51.92

8%

$2,400

$200

$46.15

7%

$2,100

$175

$40.39

6%

$1,800

$150

$34.62

5%

$1,500

$125

$28.85

4%

$1,200

$100

$23.08

3%

$900

$75

$17.31

2%

$600

$50

$11.54

1%

$300

$25

$5.77

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Although it may not always be possible to tithe, we all need to look into our hearts and give as much treasure as we can to support the important ministries of St. John.

Envelopes: Every January each member or member family receives a box of envelopes for giving. Using these envelopes ensures that your donation is recorded properly and will be correct on your tax statement. There are three categories that your giving can go to:

Current: This supports the church’s every day expenses like gas and electric. The basics to keep us operating. This should be 90% of your giving.

Benevolence: This supports our synod. Monies that go to the synod sponsor our mission work here at home and around the globe by supporting world hunger relief, disaster response efforts, starting new congregations, social justice and advocacy projects, leadership development and worship and evangelism efforts just to name a few. Member congregation donations are the only financial support that the synod receives. This should be 10% of your giving.

Special: This supports whatever you choose as long as you write in your desired designation next to the amount. Money can be set aside for specific things at church such as snow removal or deficit reduction. Money can also be designated for Shishmaref, Lutheran Disaster Relief or other outside needs. As long as you specify where you want it to go, it will get there.