The first point we need to make this year is probably the least important: we are heavily involved in the physical reconstruction of St John’s buildings. The theater space is being rebuilt and the Waverly Place façade being restored; the common room sliding glass needed to be replaced; the Rectory needs all its plumbing replaced. These are all expensive projects and now that we have come to our annual stewardship campaign we need to say that we do need to raise money. Our stewardship includes the care of the built environment handed down to us from previous generations.
But far more importantly, we need to recognize that we are a somewhat different church in this almost-post-Covid time and we must reconstruct (“re-member”) ourselves as the body of Christ. There are far more of us than we see in the church. Hundreds worship with us on-line; and our in-person numbers have also grown.
The difficulty is that we do not see clearly who makes up this body. While many of you support financially now and again, it is by PLEDGING support that you identify yourself as a member of this congregation. The dollar amount does not matter; it is the commitment that counts – a declaration that you consider St John’s to be your spiritual home or regular place of worship.
We urge all who worship here to stand up and be counted.
Worship, prayer, and service at Saint John’s in the Village are open both in-person and webcast. As we have re-opened our doors to in-person worship, we cast our net further as we continue to experience remote growth through YouTube. Live-streaming our services and many events has allowed Saint John's to expand its ministries--worship and the arts--to those far off and to those who are near. Our worship, spiritual direction, 12-step groups, counselling, theater, gallery, concerts, and other arts events have returned in-person and we're enjoying again the richness Saint John's brings to our community.
As Christians, stewardship is a beautiful part of our spiritual journey. We embark on our journey, first through the sacrament of Baptism. At Baptism and renewal of our vows, we make a commitment to God and each other, and in humility as we say the words "I will, with God's help." We're invited each year through prayerful discernment to commit some of our resources to our church. Together, our pledges, make it possible for Saint John's to carefully plan and commit to the many ministries.
A pledge is not the same as a tithe (10%). Pledges include time, talent, and treasure. All these make Saint John's the vibrant community we are. When we pledge Saint John's is able to budget that amount. Our pledges make it possible to provide outreach and hospitality, secular arts, sacred music in worship, and our invaluable staff. One way to determine the amount we pledge is the absolute maximum we know we can give each month or year without it causing hardship. That amount we use for budgeting. If we're able to give more than we thought, then that can be given at any point in the year as we have additional resources. The Rector, for example, gives 5% of his after-tax income to Saint John's. Some of us write our very first check out each week or month as an intentional spiritual practice.
Stewardship is an invitation to prayerfully consider pledging (no matter how big or small the amount) to Saint John's rich ministries. Pray about what makes Saint John's so deeply meaningful to you and how it enriches your life.
Here is an on-line pledge card:
