|
Stewardship
Stewardship really is how we manage everything that is important in our lives. At Holy Spirit we have many faithful stewards. It is remarkable that during 2011, we increased both the number of pledges and the amounts during a recession. We should all be truly grateful for such wonderful support of our parish mission.
An attitude of gratitude puts us in the right relationship with God. The most joyful gifts we make are in response to and an expression of the love of God.
“Where your treasure is, there is your heart also.” --Matthew 6:21
Where does my money go? Someone once said, “Salvation is free but Ministry costs money.” At Holy Spirit there are different opportunities for financial contributions. However, the heart of our yearly program budget depends upon our pledge contributions. Without a pledge system, we could not plan and execute a budget.
 What does it provide?
Outreach: the Pantry (where we serve new clients each month), Senior Luncheons at The Place, Angel Tree, Soccer Field, Holiday Food Baskets and Knitted Preemie Goods.
Fellowship: Foyers, Parish Weekend, Men’s Group, ECW, Ladies Lunch Bunch, Fish Fry, Kite Flying, Red Door Festival.
Christian Education: Sunday School for all ages, EFM, and Bible Study
Children & Youth: Vacation Bible School (we had a 50% increase in 2011), Children’s Chapel, EYC, Nursery and our ECOHS Preschool. We hope to add a Youth Director in 2012.
In-reach: Intercessory Prayer, Home Groups, Mothers Groups and Pastoral Care.
Worship: Celebrant, Deacon, Acolytes, Vergers, Lay Ministers, Altar Guild, Flowers, Adult, Children and Youth Choirs.
Tithing
The Episcopal Church teaches that tithing is the standard to which we are called. In fact, our parish tithes to the Diocese of Atlanta to support their mission in our larger Christian community. The Biblical tithe is defined as being 10% of one's income.
Christian giving is really a lifetime process and for most is a journey toward tithing. Given the current economic circumstances of many people today, tithing may seem out of reach. However, a very viable approach taken by many is to take it one step at a time:
• Look at your finances… where does your money go?
• Discuss with your spouse and/or other family members.
• Begin praying about your finances and giving.
• Make a commitment to give based on a percentage of your income.
As Christians, how we manage our lives – including our money – is very important. Please consider proportional giving as you think about your pledge for 2012. Please also think about where you are on your journey toward a tithe. Would you consider raising your pledge for the coming year?
The chart below shows our actual pledges for the 2011 year. Nineteen of the 87 pledges provide 50% of the pledge income for our parish. Are you giving your fair share?
When Christians give, good things happen!
We encourage everyone in the parish to remember the many wonderful things that God provides through the ministries at Holy Spirit and prayerfully consider the proportion of income that you will give to support our parish in 2012.
724 Pilgrim Mill Road, Cumming GA 30040 770-887-8190
|
