Stewardship at St. Mark's
For the past several years, our stewardship campaign has emphasized Commitment to Our Community by our fellow St. Markers. As we have reflected on all the gifts that God has provided for us, we've considered how we can help both St. Mark's and the broader community. We have asked each member to make an annual financial pledge so that we may be good stewards, which will enable us to plan our yearly expenses and and expenditures.
St. Mark's is blessed with a generous and giving congregation. Thank you for all the ways that you give of your time, talent and treasure.
St. Mark's is blessed with a generous and giving congregation. Thank you for all the ways that you give of your time, talent and treasure.
What is stewardship?
Stewardship is part of our spiritual journey and our relationship with God. While we are called to be good stewards of God's blessings year round, we invite all members of the parish to financially support God's mission and ministry as a means of deepening their commitment to God.
What is pledging?
Pledging is a covenant made to contribute a certain amount of money over a period of time. Spiritually speaking, pledging is your response to God's abundance in our lives. It is both a statement of thanksgiving and an outward and visible sign of our commitment to follow in the way of Jesus, by giving as God gives to us. Our current stewardship campaign is asking parishioners to let us know what they will be able to contribute to St. Mark's so we can prepare our budget accordingly.
Who needs to pledge?
We are asking all members to pledge. If you have never pledged before, we invite you to help support our programs and staff this year by committing a modest sum.
How is pledging different than contributing when the offertory plate is passed?
Pledging is a sign of commitment to your relationship to God, and a visible sign of your support of St. Mark's. As we enter the budgeting process for the next year, your pledge informs the Treasurer the annual income which will enable him to plan for the upcoming year and in turn determines what programs and outreach the parish can provide.
How much should I pledge?
Pledging is personal, intentional, spiritual decision that we hope you make after much thought and prayer. We ask each family to consider making a pledge that is both responsible and significant based on their financial situation. The amount that you pledge should align with other aspects of your life. We suggest that currently pledging members increase their pledges by 3% over the prior year, if possible. All pledges, regardless of size, are valued as a commitment in faith to our community.
How can I fulfill my pledge?
You may drop it in the offering plate during mass, mail a check to the parish office, or set up a recurring payment through this site by following the prompts for Online Giving. You can also donate securities by contacting the church office to have Marti give you the correct form.
Are there other ways to support St. Mark's?
Yes, there are many types of planned gifts. The simplest way is to leave an estate gift for St. Mark's by designating us as a beneficiary in your will. Gifts can be a dollar amount, percentage, or the residue of your estate. You may make a Qualified Charitable Donation from your IRA that can be donated to St. Mark's without counting towards your taxable income. You also can establish a Charitable Gift Annuity to benefit St. Mark's, while retaining a benefit to yourself, or name St. Mark's as a beneficiary on a life insurance policy that has outlasted its original purpose. There are a number of trust options also that may be appropriate for your financial situation.
How does St. Mark's meet its expenses?
About 70% of the total budget is provided by pledging. The other major sources of income are other giving, Memorial Donations and the Endowment Fund.
Want one more easy way to support St. Mark’s?
Sign up for the Community Rewards program with Kroger. Kroger will donate a percent of your spending to St. Mark’s. There is no cost to you and it’s easy to do: sign into your Kroger account, go to Community Rewards, find St. Mark’s #QL255. Instructions on their website will guide you through the process.
Stewardship is part of our spiritual journey and our relationship with God. While we are called to be good stewards of God's blessings year round, we invite all members of the parish to financially support God's mission and ministry as a means of deepening their commitment to God.
What is pledging?
Pledging is a covenant made to contribute a certain amount of money over a period of time. Spiritually speaking, pledging is your response to God's abundance in our lives. It is both a statement of thanksgiving and an outward and visible sign of our commitment to follow in the way of Jesus, by giving as God gives to us. Our current stewardship campaign is asking parishioners to let us know what they will be able to contribute to St. Mark's so we can prepare our budget accordingly.
Who needs to pledge?
We are asking all members to pledge. If you have never pledged before, we invite you to help support our programs and staff this year by committing a modest sum.
How is pledging different than contributing when the offertory plate is passed?
Pledging is a sign of commitment to your relationship to God, and a visible sign of your support of St. Mark's. As we enter the budgeting process for the next year, your pledge informs the Treasurer the annual income which will enable him to plan for the upcoming year and in turn determines what programs and outreach the parish can provide.
How much should I pledge?
Pledging is personal, intentional, spiritual decision that we hope you make after much thought and prayer. We ask each family to consider making a pledge that is both responsible and significant based on their financial situation. The amount that you pledge should align with other aspects of your life. We suggest that currently pledging members increase their pledges by 3% over the prior year, if possible. All pledges, regardless of size, are valued as a commitment in faith to our community.
How can I fulfill my pledge?
You may drop it in the offering plate during mass, mail a check to the parish office, or set up a recurring payment through this site by following the prompts for Online Giving. You can also donate securities by contacting the church office to have Marti give you the correct form.
Are there other ways to support St. Mark's?
Yes, there are many types of planned gifts. The simplest way is to leave an estate gift for St. Mark's by designating us as a beneficiary in your will. Gifts can be a dollar amount, percentage, or the residue of your estate. You may make a Qualified Charitable Donation from your IRA that can be donated to St. Mark's without counting towards your taxable income. You also can establish a Charitable Gift Annuity to benefit St. Mark's, while retaining a benefit to yourself, or name St. Mark's as a beneficiary on a life insurance policy that has outlasted its original purpose. There are a number of trust options also that may be appropriate for your financial situation.
How does St. Mark's meet its expenses?
About 70% of the total budget is provided by pledging. The other major sources of income are other giving, Memorial Donations and the Endowment Fund.
Want one more easy way to support St. Mark’s?
Sign up for the Community Rewards program with Kroger. Kroger will donate a percent of your spending to St. Mark’s. There is no cost to you and it’s easy to do: sign into your Kroger account, go to Community Rewards, find St. Mark’s #QL255. Instructions on their website will guide you through the process.
