Stewardship at Atonement
Working Definition of Christian Stewardship
Christian stewardship is 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.
Stewardship is lived out in:
living and telling the Good News;
having God in seeking justice, peace, and the integrity of creation in an interdependent universe;
wisely employing God-given human resources, abilities, and relationships;
sharing the material resources we hold and giving them in service, justice, and compassion;
providing for future generations, sharing in the life, worship, and responsible stewardship of the Church and of its mission
Both for the individual and for the community, stewardship is a joyful act for the sake of God's world.
This definition comes from the Standing Rules of the Ecumenical Stewardship Center. The Episcopal Church is a founding member of this group and remains active in its continuing work. You can find out more about ESC at their website, www.stewardshipresources.org.
A Message from our Rector:
My Fellow Christians on the Journey,
I am the vine, you are the branches. Those who abide in me and I in them bear much fruit, because apart from me you can do nothing." John 15:5
As I look at the banner in the nave, this scripture verse comes to me and I thank God for it. The verse is very clear; I am fed by God and without God I will be nothing. What does God ask of me in return for this nurture? Worship and praise! And that is what we are called her to do, every Sunday morning. In addition Jesus told us to love our neighbor as ourselves and that is what mission is all about. Your pledge to Atonement makes all of this possible-and more.
The Christian Standard of Giving is 10% or a tithe, this is mentioned repeatedly in the Bible. I strongly encourage you to committ to a tithe of 10% for 2008. If this seems overwhelming ask yourself the following question: "Can I joyfully and thankfully increase my current (2007) pledge to Atonement by a specific increment - say $10 per week?" If the answer is "yes", decide on the increment that best fits your current financial capibility and try it for 2008. Next year, try another increment. It may take serveral years but ultimately you will reach 10%. Surprisingly you will not go broke, nor become exhausted. Using this incremental approach to a pledge goal, you will become a skillful manager of resources - a good and faithful steward.
In Malachi we read"Bring the full tithe into the store house, so there may be food in my house., and thus put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts; see if I will not open the window of heaven for you and pour down for you an overflowing blessing." Malachi 3:10
The Stewardship Statement was adopted by the Vestry in June 2003. It says it all!! Please pray this statement for several days and then make a commitment to Atonement with your time, talent, treasure. (click here for more information about Time, Talent, Treasure )
Please return your pledge card on or before November 4, which is ingathering Sunday.
Committing to a pledge before the new church year, allows the Finance Committee, as approved by the Vestry, to more realistically develop an operating budget for the coming year.
Whatever you decide to give in 2008, Atonement is deeply grateful for your pledge.
Peace,
The Rev. Trawin E. Malone
