Stewardship
Dear Brothers and Sisters:
Christian stewardship is God's call for each of us to be coworkers with Him and contribute to the care of the earth. God grants us an abundance of gifts. Caring for these gifts is the essence of stewardship. We are blessed with talents, time and a variety of resources to use as faithful Christian stewards. Just as we care for our own homes and families, we need to care for God's church and our extended church family.
Essential to the maintenance and growth of any parish is financial stewardship, a commitment by each family to donate a portion of income to the house of God. Holy Theotokos seeks to buy property and build a spiritual and cultural center. With the grace of God, this can be accomplished when the Orange County faithful commit to donating a portion of their income on a consistent and predictable basis to the church.
Why do we need to donate a given amount on a regular basis?
Like any family or business, the church has monthly financial obligations. Income needs to be consistent and predictable in order to guarantee that funds are available to meet these obligations. In addition, this year and next year are especially crucial for our parish. Our building fund will increase to over half a million dollars which should be a good down payment for property. However, if we cannot prove that we have a steady income, there will be no chance of getting a loan. Without a loan, we have chance of building is slim, indeed. The bank cares not at all about how many hours volunteers spend preparing for a fundraiser that may or may not be profitable, planning a special event or cooking for a holiday banquet. Though we treasure and depend on this type of stewardship, the bank only seeks assurance that funds are consistently available to pay the mortgage in a timely fashion.
What do we need to donate?
Certainly we all need to contribute our time and talent through volunteering whenever possible. As much as those resources are needed and appreciated, a regular financial commitment is also essential. Each family is urged to determine how much to contribute. The key to success for the parish is the predictability of annual income. A list of stewards will be published, but the amount of each pledge certainly will not be. The parish trusts that each individual and each family will look into their hearts and give to the best of their ability.
Where will the money go?
Initially the money will go into the general fund. As that builds, money may be transferred to the building fund or to other special projects. Rest assured that the board accounts for every dollar and goes to great lengths to manage all funds in a responsible and trustworthy manner.
How should the regular donations be made?
After carefully deciding how much you are willing to donate and what time increments are best for you, please complete and mail the stewardship form enclosed. You can make your donations in a variety of ways:
1. Place your check in the donation basket during Liturgy. Be sure to indicate on the check that it is your stewardship contribution.
2. Mail a check on a regular basis to the church. If needed, we can supply mailing labels for you.
3. Make your stewardship donation on an annual basis and simply send it in now with your completed form.
4. Go to the parish website and contribute via the internet.
The time has come for the Serbs in Orange County to make firm commitments to support the church and its future growth. The Lord has given us more than a decade already to develop our plans and to state our intentions. Now we need to make some concrete progress. I humbly and earnestly beseech you to be a vital part of that progress by becoming a financial steward.
Prayerfully yours,
Fr. Blasko
Click Here to submit your Parishioner Membership Application
Click Here to submit your Pledge Form to Most Holy Theotokos Church
Donations may also be sent directly to:
Most Holy Theotokos Church
2148 Michelson Dr.
Irvine , CA 92612