Wednesday, November 15
6:00 p.m. – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant
Deacon John, assisting
Incense will be offered at this mass
Supper afterward at a local restaurant
Friday, November 17
Fr. Jamie’s day off*
*please refrain from sending Fr. Jamie emails, text messages, Facebook messages or phone calls on his day off unless it is a pastoral emergency.
Sunday, November 19 – 25 Pentecost
11:00 a.m. – Holy Eucharist
Fr. Jamie, celebrant, preacher
Deacon John, assisting
James Mackay, music
Children’s Chapel
Coffee Hour
Fr. Jamie’s Office Hours
Monday-Thursday – 1:00-3:00 (Or anytime by appointment.)
We would love to see you in person but if you are unable to attend please join us for Mass livestreamed at: https://www.youtube.com/@st.stephensfargo
Upcoming Events:
Vestry meeting, November 19
Thanksgiving Eve Mass, 7:00 pm November 22
Pledge Ingathering, December 10
Fr. Jamie mini-vacation, December 11-15
Gaudete Sunday, December 17
Words of Wisdom:
“If you want peace, you don’t talk to your friends. You talk to your enemies.” – Archbishop Desmond Tutu
QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS ABOUT PLEDGING
We
recognize that many parishioners come to St. Stephen’s from either no church
background or another church denomination. As every church does pledging a
bit differently, we wanted to put out a question and answer guide to increase
awareness and understanding of the Episcopal process of pledging. As
always, if you ever have any questions, please ask the rector, a vestry member,
or any other “long timer” sitting next to you on a Sunday or a Wednesday.
What is a pledge according to The Episcopal Church?
It’s a commitment to give one's time, talents, and money as an expression of
faith and a personal response to God's generosity. Parish members are encouraged
to make an annual stewardship pledge. This pledge represents their specific
Christian commitment to "work, pray, and give for the spread of the
kingdom of God" (BCP, p. 856). Parish budgets are prepared in light of the
pledges received from the members. A pledge is a statement of intent, not a
legal obligation. It can be changed at any time.
Do I have to fill out a pledge card or can I just keep putting money in the
plate each week?
We do understand that making a pledge commitment can be a bit uncomfortable for
some depending upon personal and financial situations. It feels like a
permanent commitment for the year. Our wish is that those who have been
making weekly plate contributions to make a formal pledge in order to give us
an idea of total expected income. Just like any business, we cannot plan
for expenses unless we understand our income. This is necessary for our
overall financial health and day-to-day operations.
What if I do make a formal pledge and then I lose my job or my finances take
a turn for the worse, and I cannot fulfill my original pledge commitment?
No worries. Unexpected events happen all the time. This situation
happens every year and we adjust. Losing a job and having to reduce a
pledge or even put it on hold until you’re able to get your finances back can
be an uncomfortable topic and even embarrassing to some. There is no
disgrace in this, and your church family has your back. We want to help,
especially in times of personal strife and challenge. This is when you
need support the most. Please never hesitate to reach out to Fr. Jamie for help and support through dark times, whether it’s about a pledge adjustment
or anything else.
More Questions and Answer about Pledging will be shared next week
From the Green Team:
For your home
· Create a bee-friendly garden in your backyard or on your balcony.
· Participate in a community garden.
· Do your best to repair more things, whether it is a toaster or a piece of clothing.
· Find sustainable alternatives for all your favorite items and brands.
· Switch to reusable batteries in things like your remotes or cameras.
· Cut the trash. Break down your garbage as best as you can.
· Switch your home to greener energy.
· Collect and use rainwater.
No comments:
Post a Comment