Stewardship

 

History of Stewardship

Nine years after Epiphany began as a parish, Fr. Jim Flynn approached the Administration Committee and asked for their help. He knew that in order for the parish to continue to grow, more members needed to contribute their share of time and talent, and their financial resources as well. In response, Fred Benz agreed to explore solutions to the problem. The result of his study and exploration was the beginning of Epiphany's Stewardship Program.
Since that time, through homilies, songs, banners, festivals, petitions and a variety of literature, parishioners have been asked to recognize all they have as "gift" from God and to consciously make a decision to return some of that in the form of support of this community. Equally important are time, talent and treasure. Thus, Epiphany is considered a "Stewardship Parish," meaning that it is through a deliberate, directed decision to return our gifts to God, that the program, staffing, and all other needs are met. That is why there are no Bingos, fundraising festivals, raffles, bake sales, or second collections. We try to live out the belief that we are "stewards," and as good stewards, we return a proportionate amount to God.

Mission of the Stewardship Committee

The mission of the Stewardship Committee is to facilitate the development in Epiphany members a comprehensive view of stewardship. This includes a sharing, generous, accountable way of living each day rooted in Christian Discipleship.
The stewardship committee develops and supports a variety of ongoing education about a stewardship way of life. They also seek to involve parishioners in the ministries to which they are called through an annual process of recruitment of time, talent and treasure. An annual stewardship reports how the community has been a good steward of the contributions received. The Stewardship Committee meets monthly.

Stewardship Pledge of Treasure

Some, over the years, have questioned the need to formally "pledge" their intentions about treasure. Many now understand that in order to plan programs, commit to salaried positions, and be fiscally responsible, a sound basis for income projection is necessary. Many now also understand pledging as a deliberate choice, a definite step in prioritizing God in their life. Many have made the change to contributions that are deliberate, thoughtful, planned and generous and no longer view their contribution as how much they have "left over," whether it is time or treasure (money). Recent developments in stewardship have seen parishioners plan, through automatic withdrawals from checking accounts, pay-by-phone and other electronic tools so that their support continues even during vacations, and other times away from the parish.
Other stewardship developments have included various types of gifts such as stocks and investments that have appreciated in value, so that the Community receives generous support while the parishioner enjoys tax savings.
Whatever the method or process, whatever the time, talent or treasure, the importance of all parishioners' sharing of their gifts cannot be over-emphasized.
 

Planned Giving of Treasure

A discussion about Planned Giving is more of a discussion about planning than about giving. For those who have taken to heart the belief that they are truly stewards of this world's goods, their annual financial gift to the Church or charity is of primary importance. It is part of the way they prioritize the things in life that really matter.
With an annual gift, they assist the Church in meeting daily operating expenses by sharing a portion of their current income. With a planned gift, they provide for the future growth and continuation of the church. Planned gifts as the most mature form of stewardship provide a practical witness to the Christian belief that death gives birth to new life.
More information about types of planned giving techniques are available from Martha Stuber, Business Manager. She can be reached at 245-9733 x 12.

Youth Stewardship of Time, Talent and Treasure

An understanding of one's call to stewardship can be understood at an early age. Many who firmly live out their call to be good stewards were formed in this belief very early in life.

Our youth are also asked, after study and prayer, to commit their time, talent and treasure for the coming year. They are encouraged to complete a stewardship form and join with the rest of the community in pledging their support.

10% Tithe

The 10% tithe was established at Church of the Epiphany as a way of expressing its commitment to the needs of the poor and as a response to the Biblical emphasis on justice and peace. Every week, since the founding of this parish, 10% of the collection is earmarked for distribution to individuals and organizations that work on behalf of the poor, needy and vulnerable.
A committee of parishioners, together with Sr. Larraine Lauter, O.S.U., Minister of Social Responsibility, meet quarterly to review requests and disburse donations among local, national and international efforts. There is also an effort to provide funding for a wide range of needs and problems. Parishioner suggestions for recipients are encouraged. For more information about or to join this committee, contact Sr. Larraine at 245-9733 x19.

Community Involvement

From its earliest days, the Community of Epiphany has responded to the Vatican II mandate, calling for leadership, maturity, and responsibility of the laity within the parish structure. The wholeness and integration of individual members and of the community itself depends on the willingness of each individual to do his/her part for the benefit of all.

In addition to growth as individuals and as a community, the Epiphany Vision Statement challenges us to reach out to others beyond our parish boundaries and beyond our faith to the larger community and to the world. Sharing, cooperation, interdependence, coordination and collaboration are the by-words around which the numerous activities of parish commitment evolve.

It is hoped that each member will accept this responsibility and become involved in some aspect of community life according to his/her own time and talents. There are many opportunities available. The various "Ministries" web pages show the many areas where your involvement would be welcomed. Stewardship is the way we live out our Epiphany Vision Statement.

Epiphany Vision Statement

Epiphany's vision statement is the cornerstone of our commitment to the world. Its text circles the interior of our church as a constant reminder of our charge.

Animated by the Holy Spirit and rooted in the Roman Catholic tradition, we are the Community of Epiphany on a pilgrimage of faith. In response to our baptismal call and sustained by prayer:

  • we choose to live the Gospel of Christ with humility and compassion,
  • we search for truth in a complex and changing world,
  • we experience the struggle and excitement of transformation through conversion,
  • we accept the responsibility of shared, collaborative ministry,
  • we embrace diversity and nurture the unique gifts of all.

Believing in a society free from oppression, we heal, reconcile and work for justice and peace. Celebrating our oneness with God and all of creation, we are Epiphany, a manifestation of God in our times.