Stewardship

A Window into our Souls

Stewardship teaches that all that we have and all that we are is a gift from God.  We are the stewards – not only of our financial resources, but also of this created earth, our time, our talents, our families, our relationships, life itself, but most importantly of God’s word. Christian stewardship is using these gifts God has given us, to do the work God is calling us to do.

What are we called to do?  It is found in The Great Commission to, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.” (Matthew 28:19-20a RSV.)  This is the core purpose of the Episcopal Diocese of West Texas – Be Jesus’ Witnesses.

The Stewardship department has focused this section of the website and our energies on the "Treasure" in stewardship knowing it can be said that the way we handle our money is a window into our souls. We hope to provide an electronic source of ideas, programs, resources and inspiration to encourage visitors (while helping congregations encourage members) to experience the joy of giving and embrace a lifestyle of generosity according to God's Word and Christ's example. Follow the links on the right and below to begin to discover the unique gifts embedded in you by your Creator.  Reach out and become a steward of all you have been given.

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Charge #3 from Council 2009 Bishop's Address concerning Stewardship

Resolution 3. Stewardship Planning and Education

WHEREAS, counting the cost and making Godly preparations are an important part of abiding in Christ, and the Lord's ministry requires money and other resources,

AND WHEREAS, experience teaches us that uncertain financial times can jeopardize the work of the Church unless we teach and plan carefully,

NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THIS 105TH COUNCIL THAT EACH CONGREGATION IN THE DIOCESE SHALL:

1. Appoint its Every Member Canvass or Stewardship Chair and committee during Lent of this year and implement carefully considered stewardship plans, using diocesan staff and other resources as needed.

3. Clearly teach that it is the privilege and duty of every Christian to work, pray, and give for the spread of the Kingdom.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change
The courage to change the things I can
And the wisdom to know the difference
Reinhold Niebuhr

I've been praying the serenity prayer more than usual these days. Just when we think the worst is over, we learn that the economy may get worse before it gets better. And with no clear solutions and no clear way out, it is easy to fall into despair.

It's impossible to be immune from the fear that is ever present, but it is possible to seek out God's invitation and discern a faithful response in the firm knowledge that God's steadfast love, God's faithfulness in and through Christ can be trusted.

God is in the midst of this crisis and calling us to more deeply integrate our spiritual lives with our financial lives. During this time of great uncertainty, we remain certain that we are called and led by the Holy Spirit to be stewards of God's gifts and God's grace to one another. We pray that the Holy Spirit leads us to change the things we can.

The attached downloadable file titled: Finding Hope in Hard Times, Seven Spiritual Practices: A Faithful Steward's Guide (2.7 MG download) offers practical steps and prayerful reflections in how we can individually and as a faith community adapt to the troubling reality of our fragile and weakened economy. Ideal for a Lenten study, adult forum or small group venues, the seven practices offer a way to ground us in the deepest reality of God's abundant grace-despite trying times.
This brochure can also be ordered free of charge at www.episcopalbookstore.org or by calling (800) 903-5544, beginning on February 9th.

The Office of Stewardship is tracking and sharing responses to this crisis throughout the wider Church. We want to hear from you. How are you or how is your congregation seeking out God's invitation in the midst of the economic crisis? Please send your comments to ljohnston@episcopalchurch.org.

Laurel Johnston
Program Officer for Stewardship
The Episcopal Church
http://www.episcopalchurch.org/stewardship.htm

Pastoral Responses to the Economic Crisis

Finding Hope in Hard Times, Seven Spiritual Practices: A Faithful Steward's Guide (PDF to Print  2.7 MG download)

Giving Trends during a Recession

Religious Giving in Uncertain Times: Insights for Congregations and faith-based nonprofits, an article from The Lake Institute on Faith and Giving and The Center on Philanthropy at Indiana University. (PDF to print)

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Gift of Time 

Prayer - Of Self-Dedication
Almighty and eternal God, so draw our hearts to you, so guide our minds, so fill our imaginations, so control our wills, that we may be wholly yours, utterly dedicated to you; and then use us, we pray, as you will, and always to your glory and the welfare of your people; through our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.  Amen
(paraphrased from The Book of Common Prayer, p 832)

It is through missionary giving of time that we can follow the Great Commission and make Christ known. Are you ready to explore the works of mission in your congregations, city and the world? Click here to enter the "world" of our World Mission Department. 

Core values of:  Faith, Evangelism and Reconciliation 

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Gift of Talent

Prayer - For Wise use of Talents
Almighty God, you have blessed each of us with unique gifts, and have called us into specific occupations, relationships, and activities using those gifts.  Enable us to use our talents to witness to our faith in you and to communicate your love to the people we meet each day.  Empower us to be ministers of reconciliation, love, hope, and justice.  Keep us steadfast in our commitment to serve actively in your name; through Jesus Christ our Lord, Amen
(Occasional Services, Augsburg, 1982, p. 148)

The church helps to guide people through the discernment of their gifts. Do you hear a call to creatively use your talents to serve Him? Click here to begin your spiritual journey.

Core values of:  Scripture, prayer, worship; Evangelism and Reconciliation

A Prayer for Stewardship of Treasure
Almighty God, whose loving hand has given me all that I possess, Grant me the grace to honor you with my substance. Help me to see that I am unworthy of your blessings unless I find some way to share them with others. Bless our efforts as I remember that one day I must give account to you. Grant me the courage and commitment to be faithful in my tithe and offerings, Thereby presenting myself to you as a faithful steward of all that you give me Through Jesus Christ my Lord and Savior.  Amen

How we use money says more about our value system than anything we say and do. How we value it - hoard it - and spend it defines us.  Who are you becoming? Who do you want to be? 

Core values of:  Faith, Scripture, Prayer, Worship

Read more about . . .

Annual Giving (ordinary stewardship) is the regular practice of returning to God a portion of all that God has given us.
Capital Giving (extraordinary stewardship) involves the special occasions that arise in the life of Christian communities that call us to give beyond our ordinary habit. 
Legacy Giving (legacy stewardship) is the way in which we address the matter of dispsoing of the accumulations of our lifetime.
Christian Stewardship
Stewardship Department