What do we mean when we say “Stewardship”?
Stewardship at St. John’s is a philosophy of giving. We all give what we can, with no limit on the size of our gift or mandate that the gift be of a certain size. What we give freely of our time, spiritual gifts, and money supports all that we do here at St. John’s – our liturgies, our fellowship programs, religious education for our children, our outreach activities to the wider community, and the ministries of the Episcopal Diocese of New York.
Why is a giving commitment important? Why shouldn’t I just contribute cash to the weekly collection plate?
- Making a giving commitment symbolizes a commitment to the parish. Even a commitment of $1 is an outward expression of gratitude for the blessings that one has received from God and the role that St. John’s serves in your spiritual life and those around us.
- St. John’s has approximately 320 member households, but less than half submitted a commitment last year. One of our goals is to increase the number of households that make a giving commitment as well as the annual commitment amount per household.
- From a practical standpoint, making a giving commitment is helpful because it allows the Church to prudently forecast its expenditures.
- Finally, if you simply put cash into the weekly plate collection, you will not get an annual statement for your donations.
How much does it cost to run the parish and how is the money I give used?
- Expenses are: 48% clergy, personnel, and benefits; 19% on utilities and typical property maintenance; 11% on programs (outreach, Christian education, choir/music, flowers, childcare, etc.); 13% for the assessment by the Diocese of New York; and 9% miscellaneous.
- St. John’s has been running a significant annual deficit for several years. Annual expenses exceed income from all sources (donations, nursery school fees, etc.) so that our annual shortfall is being funded by our investment fund.
What are the payment methods available?
- The easiest way to make a donation to St. John’s is online via tithe.ly.
- You may mail checks payable to St. John’s Church to the parish office or put them in the weekly plate offering.
- Some parishioners prefer the convenience of their bank’s auto-pay option. Please contact your financial institution for more information.
- Contributions of securities. Click here for detailed instructions or you may contact Laura Rawlings, the Parish Administrator, for further details.
- Check out our Giving page for more information.
What period of time is covered by my commitment?
- Your giving commitment covers the calendar year from January through December.
- If you happen to work in a role with a year-end bonus, please consider at the end of the year whether you would be comfortable with an additional contribution beyond your initial commitment.
Is a giving commitment a binding legal commitment?
No. There is nothing tangible that happens if someone does not meet their giving commitment. Everyone understands that personal financial circumstances can unexpectedly change. However, it’s important to remember that St. John’s annual donations in total are not supporting its annual expenses currently, so shortfalls create a need to withdraw even more from the investment portfolio, which is not sustainable.
Do other people know how much I’ve committed to give?
Only three people know the donation amounts by name: the Parish Administrator, the Rector, and the Treasurer.
I forgot how much I committed to give last year. Or, I’m not sure where I stand currently in my giving year-to-date.
You may contact Laura Rawlings in the Church office by phone at (914) 834-2981 or by clicking here.
When you are ready, making a giving commitment is easy. Simply click here to complete the online pledge card.