Stewardship

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Christians understand all that they have - their time, their gifts, their financial resources - to be entrusted to them by God for the sake of all that God loves. In other words, we are not the owners of what we have and are, but stewards of what ultimately belongs to God.

The Stewardship Committee, in presenting the case for support of the parish, is enlarging its responsibility to include not only people's treasure, but also their time, and their talents. This is the Committee which is charged with the responsibility for "resourcing" our vision for Christ Church.

With respect to its role in generating financial resources, the Stewardship Committee meets in the fall in order to coordinate and execute the parish's annual pledge (or "covenant") appeal. It may also meet at other times as other stewardship opportunities or issues arise.

Designated Gifts

Sometimes, individuals wish to give a particular gift, or to contribute money towards a specific initiative they really believe in, but which Christ Church could not otherwise afford. Such gifts can make a big difference. In recent years, we have made use of special gifts for everything from a Book of Gospels for the Sunday liturgy to the employment of specialized staff. Often, donors wish to make their gift “in memoriam” for a loved one, or to mark some other milestone or anniversary. Sometimes, however, a donor steps forward out of the sheer sense of personal abundance, and a grateful desire to share.

We encourage those contemplating a designated gift to consult early with the clergy, who not only have a “wish list,” but who can help donors ensure that their gift is in keeping with the needs, mission and vision of the parish.

Christ Church Endowment Trust

The Christ Church Endowment Trust was first established in 1977. Its purpose is to hold gifts for the purposes of the Church, or for purposes deemed beneficial by the Church – on the understanding that such purposes will include at least one of the following: (1) the advancement of religion, (2) the relief of poverty, (3) the advancement of education, or (4) other purposes beneficial to the community.

The Endowment Trust is overseen by elected and ex officio Trustees, and is managed by professional counsel.

The Trust includes a Perpetual Fund, and a Discretionary Fund. Gifts may be directed to either. If a donor states no preference, the gift is split equally between the two.

The principal of any gift to the Perpetual Fund must be left intact, although Christ Church may apply to the Trustees for any income which the gift generates. In the case of a gift to the Discretionary Fund, the Board of Management of Christ Church may also apply to the Trustees to draw down principal. The decision to grant the Board’s request is at the sole and final discretion of the Trustees.

Want to know more?  Please contact the Church Office.

Stewardship 2010

Sunday, October 4 marked the kick-off of Christ Church's annual pledge appeal for our ministries and program in 2010.  Our opening focus was on the Jewish notion of charity or "tzedakah," which adds considerable texture to the Christian understanding of charity and stewardship.  Download a description of tzedakah here.   

On Covenant Sunday, October 25, Dr Margie French shared her reflections on the blessedness of giving.  Download her comments here.