Giving Blog

STEWARDSHIP UPDATE: As of Nov. 28, we have received $891K in 2018 pledges from 313 households. 55% of the pledge database has pledged. We still have 93 households who pledged in 2017 that have not done so for 2018. We need your pledges so that we can plan our 2018 budget. The 2017 budget included $962K from pledges, and we want to grow in 2018.

Mark’s Gospel this Sunday addresses a first-century community of Christians facing persecution. He urges them to endure their suffering by holding onto the sure and certain hope of Jesus’ return in glory. That’s not our world—or is it? Persecution, suffering, disillusionment: It’s all too easy to find. In Mark’s time they were asked to be prepared for a better time, and so are we. Readiness has as much to do with being ready for life as it has to do with its end. The task is to sweep away distractions and looking for that glimmer of hope and with it possibilities. Where can you see it this Advent? How can you further it? It may be a need or an idea you perceive from a fellow parishioner, a newcomer, a commission. If we are not watchful, we may be unprepared and miss it. —Ben Hicks, Business Manager

As of Nov. 20, we have received $844K in 2018 pledges from 290 households. 51% of the pledge database has pledged. We still have 115 households who pledged in 2017 that have not done so for 2018. We need your pledges so that we can plan our 2018 budget. The 2017 budget included $962K from pledges, and we want to grow in 2018.

How do we relate Stewardship to Christ the King Sunday? Canon Lance Ousley, a stewardship leader in the Diocese of Olympia, notes that pledging is part of the process of establishing the Kingdom of God. We acknowledge that the Kingdom of God through Christ is active in making right in the world, establishing justice for all, especially for the “least of these” and those who are in any kind of distress. Stewardship is about living into the kingdom actively proclaiming it and participating in ministry. This ranges from providing financial gifts to using your talents in furthering our ministries. We need both. By being stewards we are also responding to the needs of others in the process of inviting God’s Kingdom on earth. —Ben Hicks, Business Manager

As of Nov. 14, we have received 269 pledges for 807,836, an increase in 20 pledges and almost $61,000 since a week ago. The average pledge continues to be above $3,000, compared to less than $2,500 a year ago which is positive. However, 137 households who pledged in 2017 have not done so for 2018. The Gospel this week encourages not to become content with the status quo, but to do what the first two servants did in Matthew’s parable of the Talents–to risk what we have been given in order to do greater good in the reign of God. Jesus risked going against the trend of his time, which said it was ok to bury our money. We don’t bury money at St. George’s! Pledges are needed to support local ministries (The Table, pastoral care, worship, education) as well as those far away (Haiti, Glory Ridge, our Diocese of Virginia) with our gifts. Your pledge for 2018 supports these ministries. At the same time, consider taking a risk and add 5 percent to your last pledge—Ben Hicks, Business Manager

As of Nov. 8, we have received 249 pledges for $746,861, or 44% of the pledge database. A year ago we had received 363 pledges for $895,013 comprising 66% of the pledge database. A positive sign this year is that the average pledge of $3,000 is above last year’s average pledge of $2,472. We need 176 more pledges to reach our participation goal of 75% of the pledge database. 153 households who pledged in 2017 have not done so for 2018. So reaching 75% is achievable! Members of the Stewardship Commission will be contacting those who have not pledged yet. Jesus calls us to focus on giving ourselves to the things that matter. Many of us lead very busy lives. Yet so much of what we do may not be central to who we are. What matters to you? If St. George’s is on that list, fill out a pledge form and support our ministries, as they make a difference here and in the world, but can only do so with your support.

– Ben Hicks, Business Manager

As of Nov. 1, 2017, we have received 224 pledges for $694,728. 224 pledges represents pledges from 40% of the pledge database. Our goal is 75% participation. 201 additional households will need to pledge to reach 75% participation. The average pledge is $3,101. The pledges range from $50 to $34,000. 64% of the total dollars represent increases in pledges by the same households. There are 18 new pledges. We are 38 days in the campaign, having begun Sept. 24, 2017. A year ago at 38 days out, we had 351 pledges for $876,488. Participation was 64% of the pledge database then with a 75% goal. The average pledge was $2,497. The pledges ranged from $50 to $33,000. 69% of the total amount represent increases in pledge by the same households. There were 47 new pledges. All pledge materials that were not picked up at church were mailed out this week. – Ben Hicks, Business Manager