Stewardship

What Is Stewardship?

Simply put, stewardship is caring for what God has given us. Do you use wisely all that God has given you? Do you use your talents, your gifts, your time, your abilities, and your money wisely? God wants us to be good stewards (care takers) of all that have been given to us. God expects us to use a portion of all of our gifts (time, talents, abilities, money) for God's glory and in the service of others.

Many people use the Biblical standard of 'tithing' to determine their giving. A 'tithe' is a one-tenth portion. In the area of finances, that means that one-tenth of your income is donated either to the church or to another area you feel that God is calling you to support. For example, many people give a portion of their money to the church, and another portion to missionary support, or disaster relief, etc. Tithing, however, applies to other areas of your life as well. A tithe of our time would be to give one-tenth of our time to work for others, for example to teach Sunday School or to build a Habitat for Humanity house. It would also include spending time with God, in prayer, meditation and study.

Stewardship of our Financial Resources

Many people who are new to the church may not understand how the church operates financially. First of all, the entire operation of the church depends on the financial contributions of its members and supporters. This includes all of the expenses of the church, such as property, utilities, salaries, maintenance, programs, mission support and services. As a not-for-profit organization, the church is not a 'business' and therefore does not hoard or earn money, or make a 'profit.' All of the money given in one year is used during that year for operational expenses or designated programs, and any excess is used to further support the mission and ministries of the church.

Please pray that God will show you what God expects you to give. Giving is Not about fulfilling the Church's budget needs, but is about your personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Please be aware that there are four areas of giving for you to consider at Saint Mark:

• Giving to support the Operational Budget of the Church. This primary gift is for the basic operating expenses of this Church, and includes salary support, utilities, and program costs such as the operation of our children and youth ministries, and music programs;
  
• Giving to support non-budgeted, non-operational expenses of the Church. This secondary level of giving supports special programs and needs of the Church. These are Special Designated Gifts above and beyond the operational budget of the Church;
  
• Giving to support others beyond our local area. John Wesley said, "The World is my Parish." As a United Methodist, you can be proud that the United Methodist Church is at work for you throughout the world, helping people in need, be it physical support as in hurricane clean-up or in spiritual support, ministering to the suffering in the name of Christ. Because we are a connectional Church, our dollars join dollars from Churches all across the nation to provide aid and relief, far beyond what we as one Church could do;
  
• You might consider giving gifts that have a lasting value, such as giving in one of the above areas to honor someone. To give in this way, please identify your gift as a Gift in Honor of (name), and designate where the gift is to go operational budget, special designation or for missions (identify) or relief (identify). Include the name and address of the honoree and if you desire we will send a holiday note to that person, identifying the gift (not the amount) and the giver.

All gifts and donations should be given during a service when you are at church or mailed to and made payable to Saint Mark United Methodist Church and clearly marked for the area you wish to support, for example "for children," or "for operating budget." Please be aware that all of your giving is strictly confidential. At the end of the year a tax contribution letter will be mailed to you showing your support during the year.

Thank you for financial support of our church and its ministries.