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Our response to God's generosity is in the way we share our resources of time, talent, and money. Stewardship reflects our commitment to making God's love known through the realities of human life and our use of all that God has given us. It is also our service to God's world and our care of creation. Parish members are encouraged to make an annual gift. This financial commitment is our specific Christian commitment to “work, pray, and give for the spread of the kingdom of God” (BCP, p. 856).
Hear these words of Scripture: “Each of you must give as you have made up your mind, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7). This message describes a holistic view of Christian giving. It emphasizes that giving should be a joyful act, not one done out of reluctance, compulsion, or guilt.
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Joyful Stewardship: Giving should be cheerful. The amount, whether large or small, should be decided with a sense of freedom and joy, not as a burden. If you feel reluctant, it may not be the right amount at this time.
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Communal Responsibility: Giving is not an isolated act. Your personal giving is connected to the needs of others and the overall well-being of our church family.
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Proportionate and Adaptable: Giving should be proportionate to one's circumstances. We all experience life changes, such as job loss or medical expenses, and know they can affect a person's ability to give. In these cases, it's acceptable and appropriate to lower the giving amount.
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Receiving with Grace: Just as giving should be cheerful, receiving help from the community should be done with grace. If you are in need, the community is there to meet those needs with the same joyful spirit, free from guilt or compulsion.
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Spiritual Growth: Reflect on giving as a means of personal spiritual growth. It is a way to participate in the abundant life that Christ promises—a life that is given away freely and with thanksgiving for the good of others.
Our 2026 Annual Giving Campaign encourages a thoughtful, prayerful, and communal approach to financial stewardship, where giving and receiving are both acts of grace, leading to contentment and joy. Come and See What God is Doing at The Church of the Good Shepherd.
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