Resource to help teach stewardship through alternative gift giving
Stewardship & Giving
The Stewardship and Development Office provides resources to congregations around year round stewardship, annual campaigns, and planned giving. The focus is on a theology of abundance, understanding that all we have are gifts from God, so Christian Stewardship is our reflection of giving back to God in gratitude for all that has been given to us.
The diocesan stewardship program operates on a holistic approach, with resources and efforts aimed at the Four Fields of Giving: Annual Giving; Legacy Giving; Capital Giving; Mission Giving. Stewardship of the environment and year round stewardship are also emphasized in partnership with other program groups in the diocese.
Stewardship is key to congregational development, it is not just about money, but about integrating stewardship into one’s life as a Christian, giving back to God from all the gifts God has given to us.
These acknowledgement cards are printed on Parchment or Velum and inserted into the Christmas Cards sent to the honorees
Example of an Advent gift brochure.
Example of an Advent gift brochure.
Example of an Advent gift brochure.
This is an Annual Campaign Plan that centers on the theme of Creation and a recent install of stained-glass windows in the church. This campaign is well-planned and connects the giving and ministries of this congregation in a visible way. It is important to plan ahead and be well-organized to have an effective campaign.
This is an Annual Campaign Plan that centers on the themes of Love and Redemption and is tied to the name of the congregation, Church of the Redeemer. Themes can be a very effective way to reach the heart of your people. This plan includes the vestry agenda at the end that outlines the points of stewardship and the plan.
Our environment (God’s Creation) has been damaged by human activity, particularly by over-use and misuse of fossil resources. The damage we have done is still reversible, but may become irreversible during our lifetime. Environmental damage has led to climate change, which effects the poorest parts of the world most, leading to increased poverty and displacement. The damage also leads to more violence as people fight over increasingly scarce resources. What can we as Christians do to help heal creation?
This is a sample of a letter written by a priest in charge of a congregation during the Annual Pledge Campaign. This letter in particular would be accompanied by a pledge card and a return envelope. However, note that the congregation includes a specific date for collecting and blessing the pledge cards during the Sunday morning liturgy. We encourage church's not to receive pledges until the "ingathering" date because there often is much more to be said during the campaign before one discerns the fullness of their annual pledge.
These are sample letters written by a priest in charge of a congregation during the Annual Pledge Campaign segmented into two groups in the congregation, Pledgers and Non-Pledgers. This letter is not accompanied by a pledge card and a return envelope, because those are distributed during the Sunday morning service on the Pledge Ingathering Date (Commitment Sunday).
This is a sample of a letter written by a warden of a congregation during the Annual Pledge Campaign. This letter in particular could be sent in the middle of the Annual Pledge Campaign. It includes an invitation to reflect on their blessings in the congregation and to discern what God is calling them to give.
Bequest tool for use in notifying the diocese of a bequest.
PDF version of the PowerPoint presentation...and overview of the 4 types of giving and list of best practices.
Power Point presentation overview of four types of giving and list of best practices.
Brochure with list of components as "Better Practices" for developing the Stewardship ministry.
Information and the Signup Form for Diocese of Olympia Bishop's Society
Overview of stewardship, four types of giving and building a holistic stewardship team
A Powerpoint presentation on the overview of stewardship, four types of giving and building a holistic stewardship team.
Resource list for Earth Sunday activities
Policy for accepting congregational gifts
This resources is an outline of the components of effective missional Annual Pledge Campaigns. Follow this guide and set out on a journey of connecting annual giving to the mission and vision of your congregation.
Some does and don'ts plus stewardship resources
Brochure of Seven Spiritual Practices: A Faithful Steward's Guide.