Stewardship

The people of St. Christopher’s are our service ministers and, working with the staff and vestry, are full stewards of the mission and ministry of our congregation. Steward is an ancient concept. A steward is a person who is responsible for someone else's property, finances, or affairs.

As stewards, we are:

• reminded us that everything we have - our property, work, health, family and indeed our very life - is a gift from God. In this use, we are called to take special care of the world and ourselves, because we are responsible to the God who created them.
• encouraged to dedicate a portion of our talent and resources to support the work and life of the church. In this second capacity, we invite parishioners to consider what proportion of their time, talent and financial resources they will offer back to God in thanksgiving for all they have been given. St. Christopher's has little source of income beyond the pledges and contributions of its people. There are reserved funds and a few small donations from outside groups that share our space, but almost all of our parish's day-to-day life and ministry is dependent on the gifts of its people.

Fast facts about stewardship at St. Christopher's:

• Each fall, we ask you to consider a financial pledge for the upcoming year so we can make plans and allocate resources responsibly.
• To make a pledge at other times of the year, please pick up information and a pledge card at the Welcome/Information Table in the Parish Hall or contact the church office at 708-386-5613.
• We encourage you to think of your pledge in proportion to your income. Statistics show the average pledge to churches is 2.6 percent of income; the biblical standard is 10 percent. You pick the percentage that's right for you.
• Personal checks are the most common form of pledge payment, but pledges can also be paid in cash (providing an offering envelope is used) and by automatic payment from your bank. To make a gift of appreciated securities, please contact our treasurer, Marty Dunlavey.