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Stewardship

What is a stewardship pledge?

A pledge is a promise and a plan for the upcoming year's giving. Pledging is different from merely putting cash or a check into the offering plate on Sundays. It is a decision made beforehand to commit to a goal - a goal of giving a portion of our resources and sticking to it. It is not giving some of what happens to be in our wallet or purse at the time, regardless of how generous such a gift might be. It is disciplined giving and a way we show that we control our money rather than letting it control us. When we pledge, we truly put our money where our mouths and our hearts are. Pledging helps the Vestry be responsible stewards in planning a wise budget. The Vestry welcomes contributions from the offering plate, but it cannot count on such gifts to the same degree that it can on pledges. Pledging gives confidence that Vestry projections are more realistic - that inreach can be maintained and outreach sustained. There are bills to be paid, payrolls to be met, properties to be repaired, music to be kept alive, and Redeemer's many outreach ministries to be backed if we are to be true to our faith. These may be planned with more confidence if we can count on your generosity on through pledges.

How much am I expected to pledge?

Our pledges are our own spiritual decisions, reached after careful and prayerful thought. Our decisions about pledging should reflect central parts of our spiritual life - about feeling and showing joyful thanksgiving for God's grace. A pledge is a glad offering of a portion of our wealth to doing God's work. It is a reflection of having faith that we can give generously and not suffer want ourselves.

Honor the Lord with your substance and with the first fruits of all your produce;
then your barns will be filled with plenty, and your vats will be bursting with wine.
(Psalm 3:9-10)

How can I figure out how much to pledge?

Many parishioners find the following table helpful in establishing a pledge amount and growing toward the tithe:

The tithe is a giving of one-tenth. It is Episcopalian. At the 1982 General Convention, the following resolution was passed and has been reconfirmed since: "The tithe is the minimum standard of giving by Episcopalians for God's work." That commitment reflects the biblical tradition of giving, starting with Abraham who "gave one-tenth of everything" (Gen 14:20) and continuing through Moses, David, Solomon, and Job who were expected to return tithes to care for the Temple and the poor. Tithing is the generous response to the generosity bestowed upon us.

What is the budget for 2008?

The 2008 budget is for $432,080, with expenses balanced by income. A copy of the proposed budget is posted in the Parish Hall and members may request a copy from the Parish Office.

What are the main sources for income?

Most of Redeemer's income is from pledges: The 2008 budget assumes pledge income of $352,000. This is higher than last year's budgeted income from pledges. Other significant sources of income include: the Strawberry Festival and other special events; rental income; the Music at Redeemer series; designated offerings (gifts dedicated to particular purposes); and plate offerings (giving undesignated to pledges).

What are the main expenses?

In 2008, personnel costs will consume at least half of the budgeted income. This covers the rector, the director of music, sexton and the administrative assistant (the priest associate contributes his services to the parish).  Budgeted operations (costs to maintain the church and rectory, office supplies, and other administrative costs) will consume about one quarter of the total budget. Church programs (music, altar guild, education, pastoral care, newcomers, etc.) and outreach take up 10 percent of the budget.

Why does Redeemer give money to charity?

Redeemer models the generosity that is expected of each of us as Christians. Redeemer provides financial supports to those programs in which parishioners are actively involved, including Samaritan Ministry, Bethesda Cares, Community Family Life Services, the Spanish-language ministry at St. Stephens and the Incarnation in Washington, D.C., and Our Little Roses (the home of Rosita, Redeemer's sponsored child). Redeemer's budget also provides the rector with a discretionary budget, for example, to give emergency aid to a parishioner. Finally, Redeemer provides support to seminaries.

Redeemer's members also give substantially in-kind and directly and of their time. Such gifts are not reflected through the budget.

In 2005 the Vestry voted to increase its budget outlay for projects in support of parishioner activities in outreach by .5 percent per year until it has reached 10 percent of Normal Operating Income (NOI, calculated on the actual income of two years' previous). In 2008, Redeemer has budgeted to give away 6 percent of NOI, or $24,900.

Why does Redeemer give money to the diocese?

Redeemer is part of the Episcopal Diocese of Washington, which is part of the Episcopal Church, which belongs to the worldwide Anglican Communion. As a parish we participate in the spiritual and the material strength of our diocese and national church. These connections ensure that we are not isolated or idiosyncratic as a congregation but are nurtured by the spiritual life and governance of the diocese and wider Church.

Just as Redeemer relies heavily on its parishioners for its budget, the diocese is dependent on its member churches for its budget. In turn, the diocese provides member churches with many benefits and services. They include leadership by the Bishops and other diocesan clergy; services for our youth; the use of the beautiful National Cathedral; training for our Rector; communications vehicles that help us stay informed and inspired; consulting on individual church governance issues (which Redeemer has frequently used), and guidelines for operating the church. In recent years,Redeemer has received many outright grants from the diocese that have allowed us to grow and achieve some of our goals. Finally, the diocese also participates with and supports many outreach programs that help our community and those in need in the rest of the world.

In 2004 (for the 2005 budget), the Vestry voted to increase giving to the diocese by .5 percent per year until it has reached 10 percent of Normal Operating Income (calculated on the actual income of two years' previous). This policy had been recommended by the diocese. In 2007, Redeemer is budgeted to send 6.2 percent of the 2007 NOI to the diocese, or $26,556.

Has Redeemer experienced an increase in pledging?

Yes.  In 2008, there are 102 pledging households, compared to 85 in 2007 and 80 in 2006.

How are pledges distributed within the population?

[To be updated]

What if we don't raise enough to cover the budget?

If insufficient pledges have been received by Stewardship Sunday, the Vestry will ask members of the congregation to adjust their pledges. The Vestry also will consider reducing the budget.  In 2008, the Vestry started the year with a balanced budget.

When do you need pledge income?

Pledges for 2008 may be given at any time. Some families give their entire pledge for the coming year in the current year to achieve tax savings. Other families give weekly, monthly or quarterly. We are happy to receive pledge payments any time it is convenient for you to provide them.

Are there other ways to support Redeemer financially besides cash pledges?

Redeemer will gladly accept gifts of publicly traded stocks and bonds in lieu of cash or in addition to cash. These types of gifts may provide a tax advantage to you if they have appreciated in value because you will get a charitable deduction for the full amount of the gift (saving tax at ordinary tax rates), but only pay tax on the amount that appreciated (paying tax on the increase at capital gains rates). you may also consider providing for the church in your will. If you wish to do either of these things, please speak to the assistant treasurer or the treasurer who can provide further instructions.

Besides financial giving, how can I serve at Redeemer?

As a small church, Redeemer depends upon and is enriched by the service of every member. The Pledge Card allows you to indicate how you would like to offer of your time and talent. You will be contacted by those in charge of the activities that interest you. If you have questions or ideas about ways that you can serve, please feel free to approach the rector or any vestry member.

What is the timeline for stewardship this year?

The Stewardship Committee is seeking to have parishioners prayerfully consider their pledge in early November, so that 100 percent of all pledges are turned in by mid-November. This will allow the congregation to turn its attention to Thanksgiving and the Advent season.  The Stewardship campaign usually follows the schedule below:

1st Sunday in November

Stewardship Adult Education at 9:15: "Is stewardship a core Christian value?"
Bagels & discussion after the 10:30 service
Goal: 30 percent of pledges returned

 

2nd Sunday in November

Goal: 60 percent of pledges returned

 

3rd Saturday in November

Parish-wide dinner of thanksgiving

 

3rd Sunday in November

Goal: 100 percent of pledges returned

 

4th Sunday in November

Thanksgiving Sunday

 

1st Sunday in December

Service of Lessons & Carols for Advent

What is happening with the Vision Campaign?

The 2006 Vision Campaign was successful in raising funds for two capital expenses: rectory repairs and the purchase of a pipe organ. Some parishioners will continue paying off their pledges to that Campaign through 2007 and 2008. Redeemer's Vestry arranged the equivalent of a construction loan in connection with the refinancing of the mortgage in 2006. This was to ensure that we would have funds available to make Campaign payments that came due prior to the receipt of pledged income. So far, we have not had to make use of this "bridge loan." If we do, we will incur some interest charges. We encourage you to make the earliest possible payment of your pledge to the Vision Campaign, so that your gift may be applied entirely for the campaign purposes rather than for interest payments.

40 Reasons to Give and to Give Thanks

1. So that we can continue to build up the body of Christ - to strengthen the foundation of Redeemer as a place where all persons are sustained in their faith and find their own ways to serve.
   
   
2. In gratitude for those who have been with Redeemer for many years, those who have joined recently, and those who are visiting and considering membership now.
   
   
3. Because God is good, all the time.
   
   
4. Because it costs real money to have a building that is heated and cooled; that has working bathrooms, an elevator, and electric lights; and that is used not only for worship services but also for meetings of Alcoholics Anonymous, yoga and exercise classes, music lessons, rehearsals, and many other community and church events.
   
   
5. In faith that the congregation of Redeemer, which first worshipped together in 1898, will continue together for many generations to come.
   
   
6. To complement the mittens, hats, toiletries, sandwiches, suppers, toys, backpacks, bags of groceries, and other tangible items that parishioners give through our outreach partners Samaritan Ministry, Manna Food Center, and Bethesda Cares.
   
   
7. Because it feels good to give.
   
   
8. In thanksgiving for the 5 babies who were baptized at Redeemer, the 7 young people who were recognized in a Rite-13 ceremony, the 6 others who were confirmed, and the couple who was married, all in the past year.
   
   
9. In loving memory of parishioners and their loved ones who have died this year.
   
   
10. Because we are grateful for everything the Creator has given us.
    
    
11. To celebrate the Rev. Susan Burns' 13th year as our Rector.
    
    
12. Because a new 25-rank, 1,451-pipe organ, built by Redeemer parishioner Michael Hart of the DiGennaro-Hart Organ Company, is on schedule to be installed early next spring - a glorious instrument that will serve the parish for generations.
    
    
13. Because there are 15 students in the Monday evening tutoring program, in this 20th year of tutoring disadvantaged children through Community Family Life Services.
    
    
14. Because Redeemer is transparent with its budget, which is updated monthly, posted for all to see, reported to the diocese, and audited annually.
    
    
15. In thanksgiving that Redeemer has reached a stable financial situation and the Vestry has not had to go to the congregation begging for funds.
    
    
16. Because rectory repairs have been completed.
    
    
17. Because a parishioner generously donated a Yamaha grand piano that continues to enhance our worship and music series.
    
    
18. Because we need to give -to free our hearts from a craving to have more and a nagging fear of losing what we have.
    
    
19. In thanksgiving for the safe return of the rector and her daughter from a mission trip to Mississippi, of 2 of Redeemer's youth from a mission trip to Alaska, of Redeemer's seminarian from a teaching trip to Sudan, and of a parishioner from Iraq.
    
    
20. To celebrate the addition to Redeemer's weekly worship schedule of the "Contemplative Mondays at Redeemer" program: Taizé Service (first Monday of each month) and Contemplative Eucharist (third Monday).
    
    
21. To commemorate the track record of Redeemer's book club, which in 2006 dissected and discussed such works as Karen Armstrong's The Spiral Staircase and Azar Nafisi's Reading Lolita in Tehran.
    
    
22. In gratitude for the generous gifts of time and talent given to Redeemer by our Priest Associate, The Rev. Dr. David Schlafer - and to celebrate the publication of his new book, The Shattering Sound of Amazing Grace.
    
    
23. Because there are 40-plus children in our youth program.
    
    
24. In celebration of Rosita, the soon-to-be-8-year-old girl sponsored by Redeemer who lives at Our Little Roses in Honduras.
    
    
25. Because we are made in the image of God who gives because it is God's very essence to give, because God cannot not give.
    
    
26. Because our Adult and Youth Choirs continue to grow in both number and musical maturity and are able to conquer increasingly challenging works that enhance our worship week after week.
    
    
27. Because the Music at Redeemer Series, now in its second season, has enabled scores of parishioners and members of the community to hear performances by prominent musicians in the stunning acoustic of Redeemer's sanctuary.
    
    
28. In celebration of Redeemer's first-ever music camp this summer, which served 18 children from our parish, our neighborhood, and our tutoring program.
    
    
29. Because in Fall 2006, 2 members of the congregation stepped forward to lead adult education programs dealing with the topics of healing and contemplative wisdom.
    
    
30. In thanksgiving for our former seminarian Sarabeth Goodwin who, with financial and tactical support from Redeemer, leads a growing Spanish-language ministry at St. Stephen & the Incarnation in Washington, D.C.
    
    
31. Because our beautiful gardens have bloomed all spring, summer, and fall.
    
    
32. To help bring about the Kingdom of God on Earth.
    
    
33. In support of our rector and members of the parish who, every Tuesday, participate in a Street Church service and provide a simple lunch for the homeless in downtown D.C., organized by The Church of the Epiphany.
    
    
34. Because, last February, Redeemer parishioners sang through the entire 1982 Hymnal in nine hours and had so much fun they are going to do it again.
    
    
35. Since many Sunday mornings between the services, a dozen and more parishioners gather for the adult education program to discuss such topics as "spirituality and the arts" and "issues facing the Episcopal Church."
    
    
36. Because God loves a hilarious giver. (2 Corinthians 9:7)
    
    
37. To celebrate Redeemer's informative new website: www.redeemerbethesda.org
    
    
38. Because, as we are reminded by the monthly "Mindful Eating Experiences" organized by the Outreach Committee, far too many people go without the most basic human necessities, while we at Redeemer are blessed abundantly day after day.
    
    
39. Because it all belongs to God anyway.
    
    
40. Because we are disciples of Jesus Christ, who "loved us and gave himself up for us, a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God." (Ephesians 5:2)
    
    

Redeemer Vision Campaign

"But to each one of us grace has been given as Christ apportioned it. It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God's people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ." - Ephesians 4

In 2005, the congregation of Redeemer started on a new and deliberate path that moves from self-images of smallness and scarcity to those of growth and abundance. Redeemer began looking toward clearer focus on responsibility, better spiritual nourishment, and greater welcome of others into worship.

The specific step taken in this "Vision Campaign" was to tie together the 2006 Stewardship Campaign with a three-year Capital Campaign - emphasizing the former and creating a tiered structure for the latter. By this means, fiscal responsibility was put first and desires second. Through many avenues of discussion and feedback, including a parish-wide feasibility study, the leadership of the church grew confident that Redeemer's Vision set out a course that was both necessary and realistic.

The first goal of the campaign was to dramatically increase pledging to the annual stewardship drive, so that Redeemer could create an operating budget that did not assume a deficit as it had for several years past. This goal was achieved, with a 16 percent [confirm] average increase in pledge from 78 pledging units [confirm], plus a remarkable 17 new pledgers [confirm].

The second goal was to raise funds for repair of the rectory, to improve its disheveled appearance, install energy-efficient windows, and correct unhealthful and even hazardous conditions such as poor air circulation, water drainage problems, and improper egress. This goal too was achieved, and a $120,000 renovation is now underway.

The third goal was to raise $200,000 for a pipe organ to replace the aged electronic organ. A pipe organ was anticipated by a church building expansion undertaken in 1997; its acquisition now fulfills that earlier project. This fund-raising goal was achieved, and the organ was installed in 2007.

The essence of the Redeemer Vision has been to move the congregation into better space - financially, physically, spiritually - so that each may find grace "as Christ apportioned it" and all are prepared for works of service "so that the body of Christ may be built up." Through the successful completion of this Vision Campaign, the members of Redeemer have discovered their own generous hearts. Thanks be to God!

Some text adapted with permission from the Stewardship Committee of St. John's, Lafayette Square.