Welcome to our Stewardship Ministry

What is Stewardship?
Christian Stewardship is frequently summarized as the giving of one's time, talent and treasure in service to God, the Church and the larger community of our parish, nation and world. During the annual campaign we focus on our ability to give of our financial treasure by asking all parishioners to consider making a pledge of financial support for the coming year.

Why is my estimate of giving (pledge) so important?
Your estimate of giving is used to support the operations of St. John the Divine Episcopal Church and it enables the Vestry to plan mission and outreach activities for the coming year. Your participation in the process is equally as important as the dollars pledged. Scripture and tradition calls upon all Christians to give to the Church in proportion to their resources.  From the Book of Tobit 4:8-9:  "If you have many possessions, make your gift from them in proportion; if few, do not be afraid to give according to the little you have. So you will be laying up a good treasure for yourself against the day of necessity." 

What if I cannot give at this time?
We ask that you still complete an estimate of giving card indicating you cannot give at this time.  Participating intentionally in discerning God's call to you on how to steward your resources is the most important part of stewardship. 

What if my financial circumstances change, can I change my estimate of giving?
Absolutely, you can either increase or decrease your estimate of giving at any time and you need not offer any explanation.  Life changes in ways we cannot foresee and we, at St. John, realize that.  To change your estimate of giving you can complete a new card, they are on the table at the top of the stairs in Healy Hall, or you can call Joe Peters, financial recorder, at 262-249-9445.

How do I know if my money is being steward wisely?
The Church's finances are reviewed monthly, in detail, by both the Finance Ministry Team and the Vestry.  A summary is provided in the Divine Messenger and a complete summary is posted in Healy Hall.

But I contribute to the plate collection - what difference does it make to pledge?
An enormous difference. Though plate collections are helpful, without a sense of committed parishioner income, the Vestry cannot plan. It would be similar to having a job where you didn't know how much you would be paid for your work, or if you would be paid - you would just have to see what was placed in your paycheck.  

What about documentation for IRS deductions?
Every household, whether or not they pledge, is given envelops for their giving.  At the end of the year, anyone who has given either through checks or giving envelops, will be sent a statement of giving for tax purposes.  Your envelop has a number of it that identifies the specific household.  If you are giving cash and want it included on your statement it is important to use the envelopes.