Stewardship Strategies

Stewardship Strategies By Stephen R. Elliott 2619 Settlement Road Sister Bay, WI 54234 920-854-9158 stemarelli@dcwis.com CONTENTS Premise: page 1 Tasks, & Suggestions: pages 2-6 Stewardship Inventory: pages 7-8 Working With Readings: page 9 (Refer to Today s Readings for 3/2/08) Model Stewardship Letter: page 10 Model Thank You Letter: page 11 Model Newsletter Article: page 12 Demonstration of skit: page 13 (entire skit is not duplicated) Julie Fiedler George Fiedler Steve Elliott

To: Vestry School Participants From: Steve Elliott, St. Luke s Sister Bay Subject: Stewardship Suggestions Premise: We Are The Stewards It is my understanding that human beings are created in God s image and are expected to be caretakers of the entire universe as we know it. We are to keep the air clean, and the water pure. We are to save the topsoil, replenish the forests, and protect the animals. We are to be fruitful, reproduce, multiply, fill the earth, and subdue it. We have been given a trust to maintain the balance of nature... AND (an inconvenient truth) we are expected to return one-tenth of our gifts to God. (We may hold on to 90%). TITHE: To some, an antiquated and off-putting idea of one-tenth of one s income given to God; loosely defined to include combination of Time, Talent, and Treasure. Tithing is based on Biblical directives; eight (8) references or allusions. To others, tithing is a standard of stewardship; a guide for giving. Genesis 14:20 Hebrews 7: 1-10 Leviticus 27: 30-33 A tithe of everything belongs to the Lord... Deuteronomy 12:6-7 Nehemiah 13: 10-12 Malachi 3:8-10 testing the tithe Matthew: 23:23 ) [Jesus emphasizes mercy, justice, and faithfulness but affirms sacrificial giving and tithing]. Luke 11:42; 18:9-14 [Tax collector and Pharisee] Some things in the Episcopal Church may change depending upon cultural and social progress, but the tithe remains a stable 1

standard and benchmark for giving. I have based approximately eight (8) stewardship campaigns upon this premise (three at St. Luke s Sister Bay and five at St. Peter s West Allis (Milwaukee Diocese). Stewardship Tasks 1. Pray about stewardship. (Seriously) 2. Decide to lead. 3. Consult priest and volunteer leadership. 4. Volunteer to vestry; request budget for supplies (stationery, envelopes, stewardship inventories, offering envelopes, note cards, printing, and postage; approximately $200-$300). 5. Ask vestry to determine stewardship financial goal and to give you clear approval and directive (I recommend asking parishioners to increase their previous pledge by a minimum of 10%). The vestry should provide you with the goal at that same meeting so that you can proceed with your work. Any delay in this simple decision will sap your enthusiasm and reduce momentum. (Perhaps your senior warden can schedule discussion of goal at previous month s vestry meeting). 6. Determine beginning and end dates (I recommend 4 consecutive weeks in October) 7. Obtain copy of Today s Readings for first Sunday of campaign or consult Revised Lectionary. [Check with priest first]. 8. Study readings carefully; research sources; look up contexts in Bible; think creatively in terms of stewardship applications. All readings become resources; even single words or phrases (Collect, First Lesson, Psalm, Second Lesson, and Gospel). 9. Invent a theme based on the reading you select. 10. Convert theme into slogan ( Now Is The Time, etc. ). Use slogan on all your correspondence. 11. Using slogan, write brief article for next parish newsletter. 12. Decide whether there will be a kick-off sermon or skit. If sermon, who will deliver it? You? Your priest? If 2

priest, invite him or her to do so, and share your theme or idea. I recommend that you write and deliver sermon or skit yourself, and that neither one should be longer than 18 minutes maximum. 13. Having decided #10, compose sermon or skit based on #6. If skit, determine number of parts, write dialogue, and recruit participants. Collaboratively determine rehearsal dates, times, locations (I recommend 3 rehearsals; the final one at church). It is not necessary to memorize lines, but they should be comfortable and familiar. Use scripts as safety nets). 14. Ask priest for list of recommended hymns for this particular Sunday, and choose at least one that enhances the sermon or skit. 15. Make list of simple props/costumes; gather them before rehearsals. 16. Compose stewardship letter to parishioners and friends. Sign each one individually. Enclose stewardship inventory with time & talent spaces on reverse side. Include pre-addressed, nonstamped return envelope. Mail this letter and its enclosures on the Saturday immediately before your kick-off sermon or skit. It should be received by parishioners in Monday s mail. 17. Write and mail a personalized thank-you for each returned pledge and stewardship inventory (See below). 18. Keep careful records of pledged income and expressed wishes for stewardship of time and talent. 19. Share financial information with treasurer, and non-financial information with priest. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION THE SERMON: Based on an aspect of that Sunday s Today s Readings. Ask congregation to follow along in their copies as you repeat (aloud and slowly) the relevant portion of text from Collect, OT, Psalm, NT, or Gospel. (You will present your sermon after the Gospel is read by the deacon or priest). No longer than 18 minutes. Tops. 3

OR THE SKIT: Based on an aspect of that Sunday s Today s Readings. Ask congregation to follow along in their copies as you (or someone in your skit) repeats aloud the relevant portion of text from Collect, OT, Psalm, NT, or Gospel. (You will present your skit after the Gospel is read by the deacon or priest). THE LETTER: Invent a slogan for your sermon or skit to use either as your letterhead or near your church letterhead, and compose a persuasive, succinct letter asking parishioners to meet the goal established by your vestry. The letter should be no longer than one page, and each letter should be signed by you individually. You may wish to add a personal phrase or sentence in longhand somewhere on the letter (i.e.: on the bottom). THE STEWARDSHIP INVENTORY FORM: This heavier colored stock 8 and ½ x 11 sheet with pre-addressed envelope might contain the following: Episcopal shield Slogan of your campaign Name, address, phone and e-mail numbers of church Spaces for name(s), addresses, phone and e-mail numbers of parishioner(s) Spaces for parishioner to list her/his existing ministries of time & talent (ushering, altar guild, vestry, chalice-bearing, lay reading, Sunday School, etc.) Spaces for parishioner to list newly desired ministries of time & talent in new year Treasure amount pledged for new year expressed in installments (weekly, monthly, quarterly, annually). Offering envelopes desired? (Y/N) Statement of counsel / space for personal remarks and stipulation(s) if any. Due date for return (USPS or collection plate) SHARING NON-FINANCIAL INFORMATION: Names of parishioners who wish to join various lay ministries should be 4

forwarded to your priest. Do not ignore these requests. They constitute the essence of stewardship. Your priest should nurture such interests and forward names to appropriate lay leaders. THE THANK YOU NOTE: This note is the most important component of the stewardship campaign. Each one should be written in longhand to every person submitting a pledge card. If your parish has customized note cards, use them. If not, purchase a supply of good quality note cards with matching envelopes. Each note should: Express gratitude for financial support Re-state pledged amount and terms of giving (weekly, etc.) Indicate appreciation for specific gifts of time and talent (refer to stewardship inventory for this information or ask priest). This will require effort and research on your part, but it is the key to good will and uplifted hearts. Include a personal* observation in closing. Be composed and mailed upon receipt of each stewardship inventory (first received, first sent). All thank-you notes do not have to be mailed at the same time. In fact, the staggered pace encourages parishioners to submit their materials. (Word gets out that so-and-so received a thank you note. Did you?). RECORD-KEEPING: In upper left-hand corner of each returned inventory card, indicate date received and date of thank-you note sent. Convert dollars pledged into annual total amount, and enter figure in upper right-hand corner of inventory card. Check to see if offering envelopes are desired. If they are, be sure to hand-deliver them (or mail them USPS) after recording envelope numbers and names for your treasurer. Keep a running tally of total dollars pledged so that you can report to the vestry and (eventually) give a brief report at the Annual Meeting. If you are in a position to do so, indicate the number of increased pledges, constant pledges, decreased pledges, and brand new pledges. 5

UNRETURNED PLEDGES: There will likely be a few unreturned or late stewardship inventories. Contact these people as soon as possible after the official in-gathering date, but before the next worship service. If possible, do so in person. If not, use the telephone. Do not use e-mail. If there is a reason ( complaint ) for the unreturned stewardship inventory, listen to it carefully and offer to share it with an appropriate person (usually the priest) or suggest that the person expressing the issue speak directly to the source of concern. Do not attempt to speak for the priest or to solve the issue. You are in charge of stewardship, not troubleshooting. Politely remind the parishioner of your limited volunteer role. OFFERING ENVELOPES: When a parishioner indicates a desire for offering envelopes (on stewardship inventory), be sure to record the number on the box and provide that number to the treasurer in charge of income. You should plan to distribute the offering envelopes to the parishioner in person. Do not stack the boxes on tables or in baskets for parishioners to help themselves. Print the name(s) of the parishioner on the back of his/her box, and hand-deliver it. The personal touch matters. *Personal remarks are not difficult. Think about the person (her radiant smile; his SUV with Packer plates; their son at Lawrence University; her platter of brownies at the last coffee hour; their reliable presence in pew #6, etc.). 6

SAMPLE STEWARDSHIP INVENTORY (heavier 8and ½ x 11 stock; light pastel; matching return preaddressed envelope [marked S ], unstamped) EPISCOPAL SHIELD (in color; centered) Name of Church Address Phone Number E-mail TREASURE: NOW IS THE TIME -- (Slogan) I (We) pledge $ to Name of Church in 2009. This gift will be paid in the following installments: (check one): Weekly Monthly Quarterly Annually Signature(s): Name(s): [Printed] Street Address: City: State: Zip: Telephone: E-Mail: Offering Envelopes Desired? Yes No Please complete both sides of this confidential stewardship inventory and return to church in enclosed envelope by (date). You may place envelope in alms basket or mail it to the church. Note: If, for any reason, this level of giving must be modified during the year, please notify treasurer. If you have any other stipulations regarding this commitment, please indicate on reverse side. If you wish to make a one-time tax-deductible donation to (Name of Church) or a separate contribution to the building fund or 7

(name of specific initiative), please indicate. Your gift will be gratefully accepted. Now is the time. (Slogan) Confidential stipulations (if any) regarding my pledge of treasure: TIME AND TALENT: NOW IS THE TIME I (We) wish to continue or to become newly active in the following ministries at Name of Church in 2009: (Please refer to following list of opportunities). 2009 TIME AND TALENT PREFERENCES (continued) 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. Altar Guild, Vestry, Lay Reading, Prayers of the People, Lay Eucharistic Visiting, Sunday School, Youth Group, Stewardship, Gourmet Dinners, Building Maintenance, Gardening, Choir, Men s Group, Women s Group, Book Club, Christmas Family, Meal Program, Feed My People; Clothe My People, Church Office [clerical], Diocesan Convention Delegate, Publicity, Potluck Suppers, Bishop s Visitation & Reception, Confirmation Class, Inquirer s Class, Bible Study, Transportation Service, Visiting Shut-In s, Newsletter, Snow Removal, etc. New idea? Please indicate: 8

Demonstration of Tasks 8-9-10 Tomorrow s Readings Lent 4 March 2, 2008 1. Read passages carefully (include Collect and Psalm) 2. Find central idea(s) 3. Pray for inspiration 4. Select key words and phrases 5. Create a theme, a plan, a slogan 6. Decide on sermon or skit 7. Create / Write / Believe COLLECT: True bread which gives life.. as opposed to UNTRUE (fake or artificial nourishment; appearance vs, reality; substance vs. something ephemeral). Slogan or theme possibility: The Real Thing (apologies to Coke). FIRST LESSON: 1 SAMUEL 16:1-13:...for the Lord does not see as mortals see; they look on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks on the heart. Slogan or theme possibility: The Heart of What Matters PSALM (#23): I shall not be in want. Slogan or theme possibility: We Have it All! or We Have All We Need SECOND LESSON: EPHESIANS 5:8-14: Live as children of light... Slogan or theme possibility: Living as children of light GOSPEL: John 9:1-41:...though I was blind, now I see. Slogan or theme possibility: Overcoming spiritual blindness Common denominator from tomorrow s readings for development into thesis for stewardship sermon, skit, and letter: As CHILDREN OF LIGHT, we AWAKEN to faith that transcends SPIRITUAL BLINDNESS. While given freely to us through grace, this faith asks in return our conscientious, consistent, and honest STEWARDSHIP. STEWARDSHIP calls on us to... maintain clear spiritual vision by caring for the gifts entrusted to us: our time, our talents, and our treasure. (Continue) 9

SAMPLE STEWARDSHIP LETTER Saint Luke s Episcopal Church 316 Smith Drive P.O. Box 559 Sister Bay, Wisconsin 54234 October, 2007 Dear Parishioners and Friends, Now is the time... After a steady stream of conversion experiences in which her life had been changed radically, a laywoman asked her priest to speak with her about stewardship expectations. The woman had been attending worship services regularly at the small church, and she wished now to become a committed member of the congregation. It was abundantly clear to the woman that the little church was alive with the Holy Spirit: memorable and life-changing sermons, warm and welcoming members, opportunities for lay ministries and Christian development, and a real sense of mission. She wanted to be part of it; to have her own nametag on the rack, to be listed in the directory, and to experience family while serving the Lord. Now is the time, she told the priest, but I need to know how much to give. How much is enough? The priest explained that stewardship is, first and foremost, a spiritual matter involving our management of time. As good stewards we give the first part of each day in meditation to God. We give the first part of each week in worship of God. We give the first part of our income to God. We give the first part of our social life to fellowship with other Christians. It has to do with putting first things first in the time frame allotted to each of us, the priest said. Not entirely satisfied, the woman asked again: Of these things you mention, how much is enough? The priest continued: You and I have only two things available to give God: ourselves and what we own. Are we giving just our money? Or, is the money we give a symbol of our determination to give our whole selves? Now is the time for each of us to examine this central issue of stewardship and to decide how much is enough. Old Testament is clear in asking us to tithe or at least to work toward tithing. Will God love us less if we don t tithe? The real question is: Do we love God less if we don t tithe? This year at St. Luke s we are asking parishioners to consider the financial impact of our being a bona fide parish with a full-time priest, and our corporate efforts to articulate a five-year plan for the future. We are not standing still. We are throwing our whole selves into stewardship. Now is the time. How much is enough? Only you and I can answer that. Let s not undervalue ourselves. Now is the time to give our whole selves to God by making a generous pledge on the enclosed inventory, and returning it to church on or before November 4 th. In the spirit of stewardship, Enclosures: Stewardship Inventory Return envelope Steve Elliott 10

Sample Thank You Note (On Your Parish Note Cards) To Be Written In Longhand And Totally Individualized November 15, 2008 Dear Mary Lou and Ron, As we near our national observance of Thanksgiving, I wish to acknowledge your promises of time, talent, and treasure to St. Luke s Church for 2008. Your generous and increased pledge of $75.00 to be paid in weekly installments has been registered with our treasurer, and will remain a confidential testimony of Christian stewardship. We are also blessed to know that Mary Lou plans to continue her valuable service to the Altar Guild, and that Ron will at least consider having his name placed on the ballot for vestry election next year. As the time draws closer for the annual meeting, our nominating committee will be in touch with you for a final decision on that matter. Both of you are treasures to our church. You are appreciated for your regular attendance at worship, for your cheerful participation in our social events, for the frequent use of Ron s pick-up truck and for Mary Lou s chocolate chip cookies at our coffee hour gatherings. With many thanks and God s blessings, Steve Elliott Stewardship, 2008 11

SAMPLE NEWSLETTER ARTICLE NOW IS THE TIME: HOW MUCH IS ENOUGH? It happens every year: the urge to reach out and hold onto the brilliant Fall colors of Door County; to savor and preserve them through the winter that lies ahead. But the gusty winds of Time prevail; reminding us that nature s beauty indeed life itself is subject to change. Ecclesiastes tells us there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven. At St. Luke s now is the time to examine and improve our stewardship of time, talent, and treasure. One way to accomplish this is to increase our level of giving to the church. Some may ask, how much is enough? A time-honored goal for many Christians is the tithe or 10% of one s annual income. Some would say that the figure should be based on income before taxes; others calculate after taxes. If the spirit of tithing is involved in either configuration of amount, God loves the cheerful giver who is guided by this Biblical standard of stewardship. Unless we have already achieved true tithing in our collective giving to all charitable institutions, some modern-day Christians refer to tithing as a guiding goal. We adjust our annual giving accordingly; each year increasing our previous annual pledge by a minimum of ten per cent. This is precisely what our vestry is asking of us in 2008. It is a reasonable benchmark for those who are able. How much is enough? Only we can answer this truthfully. Let s not undervalue ourselves. We know what we re capable of doing, and so does God. Now is the time to return a generous pledge: on or before November 4. Steve Elliott, Stewardship Chair 12

SKIT DEMONSTRATION Contemporary Collect For October 7, 2007 (Vestry School In Unison) -- on cue Almighty and everlasting God, you are always more ready to hear than we to pray, and to give more than either we desire or deserve: Pour upon us the abundance of your mercy, forgiving us those good things of which our conscience is afraid, and giving us those good things for which we are not worthy to ask, except through the merits and mediation of Jesus Christ our Savior; who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen 13