What is Stewardship?

Stewardship is everything we do after we say "We Believe"

The word steward comes from Old English words for a pen for cattle or pigs and for one who guards, watches or keeps.  Traditionally, the lord of the manor put a particularly trusted servant - or steward - in charge of the livestock, a critical resource.

God has entrusted all of creation - the earth and its resources - to us for our use, care and keeping.  There is nothing which we have which does not have its source in God.  All that we have - our material goods, our minds and intellects, our talents, our bodies - is not actually ours, but God's, entrusted to our care for a time.  Stewardship is therefore about the right and wise use of all which we have been given in trust.  Good stewardship informs our response when we grapple with questions large and small, like the use of natural resources, how we invest our time or what we eat.

St. Andrew's is committed to finding ways around the parish to be more mindful in the use of resources.  We have recently insulated the church roof to reduce heat loss, replaced disposable styrofoam cups and paper table covers with reusable plastic mugs and fabric tablecloths, and are continually finding ways to reduce the use of paper.   

Good stewardship is also about showing our gratitude for God's gifts by the joyful sharing of our own resources for the building up of God's kingdom.  The St. Andrew's parish community supports our common life together by giving of ourselves in many forms.  Many parishioners give of time and talent by serving on one or more of our committees and ministries - those wishing to become involved are encouraged to talk with the rector, or one of the wardens or committee chairs .  We pledge of our financial resources to support the parish's mission, staff and facilities.  The annual pledge appeal takes place in November, but a pledge may be made at any time of year by speaking with one of the wardens or a member of the vestry.