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Changing lives:
From birth to death–in Richmond, around the world
A message from the Rector
What difference does Jesus make in our lives?
And, as the Body of Christ, what difference does St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church make in the lives of others?
St. Stephen’s is changing lives literally every day: A spouse addicted to alcohol, another who loses his way and wanders from his marriage... A teenager wondering where she can turn for confidential guidance, a parent looking for ways to get through to his daughter... A businessman inexplicably paralyzed by depression, a young professional suddenly responsible for his aging parent... A precious toddler ready to be immersed in the enfolding love of Jesus the Good Shepherd, a widow struggling with loneliness... An overwhelmed parent afflicted with suicidal thoughts, a father of two wondering if his marriage can survive...
What do these people have in common? All are parishioners of St. Stephen’s and churches like ours throughout Virginia. While their circumstances may seem dramatic, we encounter them every day at St. Stephen’s. Beneath the veneer of normalcy and perfection, many are struggling with situations that can be life-threatening. In the midst of this difficulty and despair, St. Stephen’s remains a source of hope, strength and guidance in a troubling and confusing world—and it can remain so with the financial support of our members.
From counseling and prayer ministries to daily worship and small group spiritual formation, St. Stephen’s is the embracing Body of Christ for all people, from birth to death.
We are changing lives in the West End of Richmond.
We are also bringing hope and tangible help to all sorts and conditions of people throughout the Commonwealth and around the world:
+ In the East End of Richmond, through our relationships with Fairfield Court Elementary School, Peter-Paul Development Center, and organizations and ministries with whom we partner in that part of our city;
+ On the Gulf Coast, where we are continuing to help our fellow Americans rebuild their lives—still in tatters two years after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the area;
+ In the Dominican Republic, where our medical mission teams, our financial support and our hearts and hands have made possible a school and a nursing home.
+ In South Africa, where AIDS orphans and those who care for them are not only benefiting from our material support, but from our visits and from the knowledge that a group of people in Richmond, Virginia cares for them and prays for them.
Closer to home, the mission of St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church is more crucial than ever. That mission centers on Christ, as we seek to strengthen the spiritual lives of children, youth and adults:
• In a hectic and anxious society, promoting prayer and trust in God
• In an era of increasing coarseness and profanity, worshiping “in the beauty of holiness”
• In times of pain and uncertainty, providing comfort
• In a culture of greed and selfishness, modeling service
• In a time of aimlessness and insecurity, offering guidance and stability
As we approach the Every Member Canvass and consider how we will financially support the work God has given us to do together, I invite you to ask yourself: What portion of the treasure entrusted to you should go to St. Stephen’s mission? Christ, through us, is changing lives: from birth to death, in Richmond and around the world. I encourage your generosity.
Gary D. Jones
Pledge online | Payment Methods
How Do I Give to St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church?
Every
Member Canvass
The Every Member Canvass is an opportunity to give thanks to God and to return a portion of the many blessings we have received with grateful and generous hearts. Stewardship is the careful and responsible management of these gifts which support the mission and vision of St. Stephen’s. If you have not received a copy of the "Changing Lives" brochure (which includes a pledge card), please call the church office at 288-2867.
The importance of annual pledges
Annual pledges account for approximately 85 percent of our annual budget and support everything we do at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church. These pledges support our outreach, Christian education for all ages, programs for children and youth, parish life programs, fellowship activities and evangelism, as well as our buildings and grounds and administrative expenses.
Pledge cards
The quality of our collective ministry is determined by the quality of our pledges. Your pledge card gives the staff and vestry an opportunity to plan responsibly for what has been entrusted to their care. It allows you to indicate when and how you intend to fulfill your pledge. A pledge may be increased or decreased at any time, as your financial circumstances change. Pledges simply give the church a way to gauge what kinds of ministries we will be able to offer in a given year.
When do I make my annual pledge?
Stewardship Sunday for the 2008 EMC took place on October 14, 2007. While most parishioners make a pledge during the annual campaign, we encourage those who join during the year to make a pledge commitment when they join. Of course, if a new member is fulfilling a pledge commitment to another parish at the time he or she joins us, we hope the previous commitment will be honored.
How much should I give?
The rector and vestry endorse the principle of proportional giving for our parish community. Our goal for the parish is to increase our outreach giving annually, keeping 10 percent as our minimum for giving to ministries that address issues such as hunger and homelessness, and also a minimum of 10 percent for the ministry we do together as a diocese, through the budget of the Diocese of Virginia. It is our hope that each parishioner is also committed to working toward the Biblical principle of the tithe (10 percent) in our personal giving. The 2008 Every Member Canvass Chairman is Peter Pastore. (Staff contact, Janet Allen, ext. 305.)
May I pledge online?
You may make your pledge online by filling out an online form.
Memorials and Honorariums
St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church regularly receives contributions in memory of those who have died or in honor of special events, celebrations, and ministries of those we love. Gifts may be in any amount and are typically used for a variety of purposes that fall outside the normal operating budget. (Staff contact, Deedi Trabosh, ext. 310.)
Altar Flowers
Flowers are a visible way in which you can honor a loved one at St. Stephen’s. Each week the beautiful flowers on the main altar in the church and in the chapels are given in memory of departed family members, or in recognition or thanksgiving for some special occasion in their life. There are also opportunities to contribute to the lovely adornment in the church on Easter and Christmas. For information, call Sally Ayers, 353-8644.
Planned Giving
Providing for St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in your will or through a trust arrangement is a way to ensure that St. Stephen’s will remain a visible sign of God’s presence in the world for future generations, and to ensure the future of our ministries. You can make a planned gift to St. Stephen’s in a number of tax-beneficial ways and we encourage you to contact your attorney or financial planner to determine the approach that is right for you and your family. For more details, click here, or contact Janet Allen, ext. 305.)
Payment Methods
+ Cash envelope (available to those who ordered envelopes when they submitted their pledge cards; if you would like to have envelopes but did not already order them, please send an email to Deedi Trabosh)
+ Check
+ Payment through parishioner's online banking
+ Credit Card (please download and print our Credit Card Payment Request Form, complete it and mail it to Deedi Trabosh, St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church, 6000 Grove Avenue, Richmond, VA 23226)
+ Stock Gift (please contact Deedi Trabosh for details) |
