Building the Kingdom | Stewardship 2021
STEP 1: 2021 Pledge Form *2021 BrochureGift of Stock Instructions
*The 2021 pledge form process happens in two steps.
A PRAYER FOR GENEROSITY
Dear Gracious and Generous God, from whom all things were made and are given, help us be mindful that we are stewards, not owners, of the gifts you so lovingly have bestowed upon us. Let us joyfully give to God what belongs to God, in order that we may build His Kingdom. Grow the hearts of this parish closer to you and to each other as we spread the message of your good news to our parish and beyond. We ask this in the name of our risen Lord Jesus Christ. AMEN.
FROM THE RECTOR
One of my favorite scripture passages comes from Philippians: “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me (4:13).” This verse seems particularly relevant for all of us as we consider the work we have done this year and will do together in 2021.
I’m sure it comes as no surprise that many people are ready to say goodbye to 2020. In so many ways, this year has created a global shift in lifestyle, habits, and awareness. We had to change fundamental patterns of living and in doing so, became more vulnerable to one another. In every way, we were challenged to remain faithful to our commitments to worship, to forgive and seek forgiveness, to proclaim the gospel, to seek and serve Christ in our neighbors, and to respect the dignity of every person.
If I were to ask you if you’d like to relive 2020, my guess is that you would politely (or perhaps not politely) decline. This has been a hard year, one that we might wish had never happened, but I see some very real hope in the future. I see 2020 as a year when we, as a human family, were put to the test. Our carefully constructed walls have been cracked and our truer selves have been revealed. Let’s not see this as a bad thing, but rather, an opportunity to become stronger and more vibrant, and together, build God’s kingdom in ways we may never have imagined.
Many of you know that I think the Church writ large is in need of renewal. The ways we have functioned in the past will simply not serve the Gospel of Christ in the future. As I look ahead to 2021, now is the time to make a true commitment to building God’s kingdom in new ways. Together, we can give in ways that will continue to transform our community. If 2020 taught us anything, we have learned that the past is in the past, that there is no returning to whatever normal we thought we liked. Instead, we are shifting into a new reality, one that will have new rules and new challenges, but a reality in which we can thrive if we work together.
Relying on how things have always been done will not work, and as your rector, I want you to know that I think this is wonderful news. God is good all the time, and as we step into a new year, we can show our faithfulness to God, just as He has shown His faithfulness to us. The story of Christ is the most compelling story in human history, and by investing in our church, we will continue to spread that Good News in our world.
Hope is the greatest message of our Gospel. We see, time and time again, that hope, grounded in God’s pure love, triumphs over despair. At the very end of his life, Jesus struggled with the difficult path that lay ahead of him. Through tears of pain and desperation, Jesus prayed, “My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me; yet not what I want but what you want (Mt 26:39).” Jesus knew that a painful road lay ahead, but he had faith that in all things, God works for the good.
“Saint Michael is ready for a renewal, ready to become more and more the church God has called us to be, but we need you. We are like the proverbial chain, and we need each link in our chain to be committed to our future." -The Rev. Dr. Christopher D. Girata
We each face our own pain and our own fears, but together, and with God’s help, we trust that God is working all things for the good. Saint Michael is ready for a renewal, ready to become more and more the church God has called us to be, but we need you. We are like the proverbial chain, and we need each link in our chain to be committed to our future.
As you read through this webpage, consider your personal commitment. This Christian journey, the Way of Love, is free, but it’s not cheap. You have been loved, and God’s grace has been poured out upon you. How will you show your gratitude? How will you, having received this amazing gift of life, use your life to make a significant impact on the world in the ways God hopes for you?
This year, listen to God’s voice, repeating over and over again, “Do not be afraid.” Let faithfulness and hope be your guide. When we commit to God and one another with courage and conviction, we will be transformed by the peace that passes all understanding. This is the peace that we need, that our world needs, and this is the witness we share together at Saint Michael.
The Reverend Dr. Christopher D. Girata
Rector
FROM THE SPIRIT
One of the good things that has come out of 2020 is an opportunity to re-evaluate what is important in life, how we spend our time and money, and what really matters. Perhaps you, like us, have been more focused on the eternal rather than the temporal. “Seek ye first the Kingdom of God” is not just a Scripture verse, but has become a way of thinking for us. We find ourselves evaluating how we spend our time and money against the question of “Does this build God’s Kingdom?” We believe that the best way to build the Kingdom is investing in getting people there, by giving to Saint Michael where we grow Christian disciples and serve our larger community. Saint Michael has been an anchor for us in these tumultuous times. Over the last several months, we have been more engaged in the life of Saint Michael than ever. Online worship services, Bible studies, discipleship, and fellowship have provided stability and meaning in a world that seems out of control. We have found that giving is a spiritual discipline that recognizes all we have comes from God and shows our gratitude to Him for our blessings. How can we help but give generously when He has given so generously to us? If you have not yet engaged in a thoughtful review of what God has done and is doing in your lives, especially through Saint Michael, we invite you to join us on this journey into discipleship and experience all that God has to offer us!
Kimberly and Joe Colonnetta |
STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE
Committee Chairs
Joe Colonnetta
Kimberly Colonnetta
Treasurer
Kathy Kelley
Peggy Carr
Becky Casey
Squeaky Connolly
Ralph Cousins
Maria D'Antoni
Richard D'Antoni
Louise Griffeth
Warren Houser
Hallie Lawrence
Jay Lipscomb
Heather Lorch
Caroline Marak
Kyle Moore
Blair Oden
Jerry Poglitsch
Margaret Spellings
Ross Taylor
STEWARDSHIP 2021 - FAQ
A pledge to SMAA means that you have stated your intention to fulfill a defined, annual monetary gift that supports the operational budget of the church.
Eighty-eight (88%) of the church’s annual budget is supported by pledges.
To make a pledge, you can fill out a pledge card while at church, go online to saintmichael.org/give, or email Caroline Marak, Stewardship Manager, at [email protected] A pledge can be fulfilled at a frequency of your choosing (weekly, monthly, or annually) by check, credit card, cash in requested pledge envelopes, appreciated stock or IRA distribution if 70.5 or older. If you have any payment questions, call Caroline Marak, Stewardship Manager, at 214-692-3015 or Cheryl Kaschak, Accountant, at 214-365-3558. If the state of your finances changes during the year and you are unable to fulfill your pledge, know that we are grateful for your intentions of supporting our ministries. Life happens when we least expect it and as your church we are here for you. Please let us know what you are able to fulfill by calling Caroline Marak or Cheryl Kaschak so we can adjust our budget accordingly. All conversations are confidential and pastoral support is available if you need it.
Putting money in the offering plate is a wonderful spiritual discipline that does not take the place of a pledge. Plate offerings are contributions that we can’t financially plan for in support of our budget. During special Sundays throughout the year, plate offerings support outside Mission & Outreach ministry efforts. |