Stewardship and Pledging

Planning for end of life matters is one of the most responsible and helpful preparations we can make for the inevitable.  Having information about our worldly matters, our loving guidance and decisions, and details for disposition of our assets and corporal self made ahead of time will greatly ease the burdens on loved ones at the time of our incapacitation or death.  The Life Planning Manual is structured to guide you in these considerations and also to act as a framework for discussion of these important aspects as you review them with your clergy and family. Download the Life Planning Manual now.

The recently enacted $700 billion economic bailout bill (aka H.R. #1424, "The Financial Rescue Package") includes a two-year extension of the IRA Rollover provision.  This enables qualifying members to use their mandated annual IRA disbursement as a direct charitable contribution with great tax benefits.

Also, if we ACT FAST we can assist them in this opportunity for both 2008 AND 2009 calendar years.  Please refer to The IRA Charitable Rollover Tool Kit (click for PDF) for additional information and assistance in having this dialogue with potential contributors.

The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS) is an association of church leaders who understand, practice, and proclaim God's call to generosity.  They collaborate with experts from across the nation on matters relating to attitudes and practices which enable healthy stewardship.  They address all aspects ranging from ministry and motiviation to pedging and finances.  Their bi-monthly newsletter, "Networking" is a valuable resources for leaders enagaged in any aspects of enhancing evangelism and invigorating congregational development. [Feel free to visit the TENS online at http://TENS.org ]

March 2009: Features a great article on Producing an Abundant Harvest by Daniel Charney; plus diverse insights on the economics of faith by Michael Schut; and Rev. John D. Talbird, Jr.; coupled with a wonderful article on Wealth and Poverty in our world community by Rev. Sam Todd, and more...

January 2009: Features Epiphany insights in A Time to Reveal and Make Known by Rev. Laurel Johnston; an essay Moving from Scarcity to Abundance by Rev. K. Dice Seage and The Rt. Rev. D.M. Gray III.

November 2008: Features The Roller Coaster by the Rt. Rev. Gregory Rickel, articles by the Rev. Kirk Kubicek, Can. Rees Olander, the Rev. Howard Bowlin

September 2008: Features a number of inspirational articles by the Rev. E.Angela Emerson, the Rev. Kirk Kubicek, the Rev. Robert Rhodes, the Rev. Scott Searle; a book review of The Giving Myth, Dr. Stephen McSwain

Minnesota Public Radio's Speaking of Faith has launched an ongoing series exploring the moral, spiritual, and practical aspects of the economic downturn. The site includes reflections from wisdom leaders ranging from Joan Chittister and Parker Palmer.

Visit their website to find out more.

The current recession has far-reaching implications, touching the lives of congregations and individuals throughout Minnesota. And while we often thinking of serving those in need as individuals outside our church doors, one community, St. Matthew's Episcopal Church, St. Paul, has responded with funds available to members of their own community. Read More
Our commonwealth is hope, a hope that we gain through personal and shared prayer. Our heritage, particularly the Gospel, is filled with countless stories of hope arising in the midst terrible fear and even panic. Our call, in the midst of fear, is to remember these stories, to be upheld and transformed by them, to invoke the calming of the Spirit, and to practice our faith, that we and our people may be moved from fear to trust. Read More