Stewardship - Rector's Rambling for October 20, 2024
It is that time of the year when the Treasurer, Book-keeper, Wardens and Vestry begin to work on the budget for the coming year.
By God’s grace we are starting from a positive financial position at this point of the financial year. As of the end of September we are ahead of anticipated income, pledge and plate as well as overall income, for 2024. With 75% of the year completed as of the end of September we are above 75% in giving due to YOUR generosity. Thank you! Rarely at this point of the year, after a long summer of lower attendance due to parishioners being away, are we at 75%. In most years we spend October, November and December catching up to anticipated budget.
And due to the financial prudence of the Vestry and Staff we are below 75% in expenses as well as at the end of September. Ahead in income and below in expenses is a good financial position to be in at this point, and we are most grateful to God for it.
So from this point we are both thanking you for your support of the parish, and we are asking you to consider what you are giving now as you discern what your giving might be in the year ahead for 2025. Pledge cards are enclosed in this Order of Service, and will also be mailed to homes that are currently regular contributors.
We are asking you to continue to support St. John’s not just because St. John’s needs you to - of course we do.. We are asking you to support St. John’s because it is good for you to be generous in the support of His Church here for our continued ability to do ministry and to expand that ministry into the future. The Lord loves a cheerful giver (2 Corinthians 9:6-7), and also that it is more blessed to give that receive (Acts 20:35).
Your support blesses St. John’s AND it blesses you as well. You learn continued generosity and are reminded in a tangible way that what you earn is still a gift from God— “for all things come of Thee, and of thine own have we given thee “ (1 Chronicles 29:14)
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