“It is by offering our blessings back to God that He will be able to continue His forgiving, healing, liberating, empowering, transfiguring, loving ministry through the Church. For God, Infinite though He be, has chosen to work through us, through our gifts, to continue His saving work in the world today.” – Fr. Anthony Coniaris
Stewardship reminds us that everything we have has been given to us by God – not for us to have, but for us to care for as stewards, or caretakers. This is why we call those who are actively living the Orthodox Christian life “stewards,” because to live the Orthodox Christian life fully means to recognize that we have received everything from God, and therefore we offer some of what we have received back in thanksgiving.
Financial stewardship is an offering, and it is part of how we participate in the saving work of Christ and His Church. By offering back some of what has been given to us, we allow God to work through that offering “for the life of the world.” Just as we offer bread and wine for the Liturgy which God transforms into the Body and Blood of Christ to transform us into the living Body of Christ, so do we offer our time, treasure, and talents to Christ and His Church so that God might receive them and transform them into the means not only of our salvation, but for all Creation.
From the Archdiocesan Department of Stewardship
Orthodox Christian Stewardship is a way of life, which acknowledges accountability, reverence, and responsibility before God. A primary goal of Stewardship is to promote spiritual growth and strengthen faith. Becoming a Steward begins when we believe in God, to whom we give our love, loyalty and trust and act on those beliefs. As Stewards, we affirm that every aspect of our lives comes as a gift from Him. Stewardship calls on the faithful to cheerfully offer back to God a portion of the gifts with which they have been blessed.
In II Corinthians 9:7 we read “Each person should give what he/she has decided in his/her heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”
The money raised through the Stewardship Program helps to cover only a small portion of the operating expenses of our church.
Your pledge is whatever you decide it to be. How much is appropriate for you? The same as two cups of coffee each week? At least as much as we spend on cable television, or dinners at restaurants? Only you can determine what you think is appropriate for your personal situation. Please respond with a pledge that reflects the value you put on your faith and your church relative to the other things we all spend money on in our daily lives.
Our suggested stewardship amounts are $400 for single members or families and $300 for senior citizens paid annually.
If you are blessed with resources that make life a little easier for you than it is for others, please consider it a privilege and a blessing that you are in the position to offer more to our Church than others can, and respond with a stewardship amount more than our suggested amounts. Stewardship also entitles you to vote as a member of the community at General Assembly meetings, run for Parish Council and have a say in our community’s direction.
If you would like to become a steward (member) or renew your stewardship click here and complete the form and follow the payment instructions. The Holy Cross Community thanks you for your support.