Give Time, Talents and Tithe
Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over; will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.
Luke 6:38
Dear Epiphany Family,
As we enter this season of stewardship, I want to speak plainly and personally about giving.
For me, stewardship is not first about budgets, buildings, or programs. It is about trust. It is about recognizing that everything we have comes from God and then choosing to return a faithful portion back to God with gratitude.
In Malachi 3:10, the Lord says, “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse.” That verse has shaped the way I understand Christian giving. A tithe is ten percent, and I believe that giving ten percent of my earnings is a faithful biblical standard. It is not always easy. It requires discipline, prayer, and trust. But it is a concrete way to put God first.
As your rector, I would never ask this parish to practice a faith I am unwilling to practice myself. That is why I want you to know that I give ten percent of my earnings as a tithe. I do this not because I have extra, but because I believe God asks us to trust God with what we have.
Epiphany is our spiritual home. It is where we worship, pray, baptize, teach, serve, gather at the altar, and carry the love of Jesus into the world. Our giving makes that shared ministry possible.
I invite you to join me in prayerfully considering your own commitment. For some, the tithe may be where you already are. For others, it may be a goal to grow toward over time. Wherever you begin, begin faithfully. Give intentionally. Give generously. Give as an act of worship.
God has been faithful to us. May we be faithful in return.
Love,
Mary Balfour
If you wish to make a pledge to the Church of the Epiphany, please use the following link:
Stewardship. Why We Give
The last few years have taught us many lessons. We learned that being together as an Epiphany family is very important to us and we will cherish these opportunities to gather together even more. Here at Epiphany we are very blessed.
This family always, steps up and prevails. It is amazing to look back and see how we immediately found ways to continue our worship services throughout a pandemic. Through thick and thin we found a way to continue to worship and be the hands and feet of Jesus in our congregation and our beloved surrounding communities.
This year as we enter into “stewardship season” lets celebrate by looking back and congratulating Epiphany on so many accomplishments through these few years of adversity. These past accomplishments are a testimony to all the worship opportunities in the future that will bless us. This year as you consider your stewardship pledge think about not only Epiphany annual operational budgets, but think about giving to the community of Epiphany and all the ways we bless and give to our surrounding communities.
Stewardship. Ways to Give
VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
We invite you to volunteer and be an active part of the Epiphany family. There are many opportunities here to share your valuable time and talents. Click here to see the many ministries we have at Epiphany and consider volunteering.
ONLINE GIVING NOW AVAILABLE
We make giving to Epiphany easy and convenient. Whether it is a special occasion or you are meeting your annual pledge commitments you may now give online. Simply Click Here
A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Proverbs 11:25
This church is grateful for your gifts that allow us to love, minister, and pursue our mission with passion and purpose. Thank you faithful servant.