Stewardship - Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Stewardship means to give of your time, talents, and treasures to support the work of Christ and the Church. Financially, the Stewardship program is the primary means by which the Church supports itself and its numerous ministries, assisting those in need. When you donate a pledged amount to the Church every year, you participate in the Stewardship program as a member and “parishioner in good standing.” The Parish Council put together this list of FAQs to help guide you.
2. Aside from being able to attend Church every Sunday knowing that the bills will be paid on time and that the lights will turn on just as they do in my own home, what other benefit do I get from being a member? You will receive discounts on Baptisms, Weddings, and Church hall rentals at a cost less than that asked of non-members. You also get to vote in the annual Parish Council elections held every fall to install parishioners into the council for a three-year term, as well as consider running yourself.**
3. I’ve been attending Ss. Peter & Paul for many years but was unaware of the Church’s expectations of me. How can I get started meeting my obligations? Become a member by completing the membership form and annual financial contribution form posted on our Membership website if you have not yet already done so. Please consider your commitment prayerfully and sincerely. Keep in mind that your commitment obligation begins in January of each year for every year you are a member. Only submit a new financial contribution form each year if you decide to increase or change the amount you wish to donate.
4. How should I pay my annual pledge to the Church? You may fulfill your financial commitment weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. Payment may be made by cash, check, automatic checking account, and debit/credit card on our website through the Elexio member donor portal. For those who prefer, envelopes are still available in the Church hall for you to fill with your check or cash to drop in the tray passed around every Sunday. Make sure to write your name and number (issued by Treasurer) on the envelope. Other ways include the giving of non-cash assets that can leave a lasting legacy such as: stocks, bonds, mutual funds, life insurance, and bequests/estate planning/wills. “The Lord loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9: 6 -7).
5. Are my contributions to the Church confidential and tax deductible? Yes, all contributions to the Church are kept confidential and most are tax-deductible. Be sure to check with the Treasurer, if they have not contacted you first, to obtain a number so we can keep track of your donations and issue you a financial statement for each calendar year you donate.
6. In addition to my financial commitment, how else may I help my Church? Get involved! This is the key to our community and faith. We need you as we all grow in God’s love when you are a part of our community. Our parish community offers many areas of service and parishioners are most urgently asked to commit their talent and time. See the Organizations page on our website for more information. The organizations listed there include: the Parish Council, the Antiochian Women’s Group, the Men’s Fellowship, the Church Choir and Chanters, the Young Adult Fellowship, Teen SOYO, and our Outreach Ministry. Only through involvement does the life of the parish become more meaningful. “To whom much is given is much required” (Luke 12:48).
7. What if I have other questions?For more information, or to ask any other questions, please contact [email protected].
*Remember that each individual family member must also pay a $50.00 Archdiocese Assessment fee yearly that goes directly to the National Archdiocese. For example, if you have a family of four, your assessment would be $200 per year in addition to your annual pledge.
**Please Note: The Parish Council is always looking for committed members, particularly those with legal, financial, technology, educational or fundraising backgrounds.
- I understand that the Church needs to sustain its annual operating budget to maintain our spiritual home. How much does the Church expect me, as a member, to donate every year?
2. Aside from being able to attend Church every Sunday knowing that the bills will be paid on time and that the lights will turn on just as they do in my own home, what other benefit do I get from being a member? You will receive discounts on Baptisms, Weddings, and Church hall rentals at a cost less than that asked of non-members. You also get to vote in the annual Parish Council elections held every fall to install parishioners into the council for a three-year term, as well as consider running yourself.**
3. I’ve been attending Ss. Peter & Paul for many years but was unaware of the Church’s expectations of me. How can I get started meeting my obligations? Become a member by completing the membership form and annual financial contribution form posted on our Membership website if you have not yet already done so. Please consider your commitment prayerfully and sincerely. Keep in mind that your commitment obligation begins in January of each year for every year you are a member. Only submit a new financial contribution form each year if you decide to increase or change the amount you wish to donate.
4. How should I pay my annual pledge to the Church? You may fulfill your financial commitment weekly, monthly, quarterly, semi-annually, or annually. Payment may be made by cash, check, automatic checking account, and debit/credit card on our website through the Elexio member donor portal. For those who prefer, envelopes are still available in the Church hall for you to fill with your check or cash to drop in the tray passed around every Sunday. Make sure to write your name and number (issued by Treasurer) on the envelope. Other ways include the giving of non-cash assets that can leave a lasting legacy such as: stocks, bonds, mutual funds, life insurance, and bequests/estate planning/wills. “The Lord loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9: 6 -7).
5. Are my contributions to the Church confidential and tax deductible? Yes, all contributions to the Church are kept confidential and most are tax-deductible. Be sure to check with the Treasurer, if they have not contacted you first, to obtain a number so we can keep track of your donations and issue you a financial statement for each calendar year you donate.
6. In addition to my financial commitment, how else may I help my Church? Get involved! This is the key to our community and faith. We need you as we all grow in God’s love when you are a part of our community. Our parish community offers many areas of service and parishioners are most urgently asked to commit their talent and time. See the Organizations page on our website for more information. The organizations listed there include: the Parish Council, the Antiochian Women’s Group, the Men’s Fellowship, the Church Choir and Chanters, the Young Adult Fellowship, Teen SOYO, and our Outreach Ministry. Only through involvement does the life of the parish become more meaningful. “To whom much is given is much required” (Luke 12:48).
7. What if I have other questions?For more information, or to ask any other questions, please contact [email protected].
*Remember that each individual family member must also pay a $50.00 Archdiocese Assessment fee yearly that goes directly to the National Archdiocese. For example, if you have a family of four, your assessment would be $200 per year in addition to your annual pledge.
**Please Note: The Parish Council is always looking for committed members, particularly those with legal, financial, technology, educational or fundraising backgrounds.